Frank Soo - What can we find out about local significant people?

With the launch of the National Blue Plaques scheme, run by Historic England, this activity looks at how we decide who is significant and then uses a range of historical sources to find out more about Frank Soo and his cultural legacy in Buxton and beyond.

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Teaching idea

This resource is designed for use in the Key Stage 2 classroom. The use of local stories and people is intended to make the past more relevant, real, accessible, and interesting.

Pupils are encouraged to consider what makes an individual significant, linking back to learning they may have carried out in Key Stage 1. They then interrogate a range of historical sources, allowing them to develop historical enquiry skills, relevant for all topics.

Through this range of historical sources, pupils explore the story of a mid-twentieth-century footballer from humble beginnings who became one of the first players of Chinese and East Asian heritage in the English Football League. At the time, Frank Soo became a nationally recognised and respected figure in professional football.

Frank Soo is also significant because he was one of the first players of Chinese and East Asian heritage to be selected to play for England. He played several games for England during World War Two but did not receive an official cap because these wartime matches were classed as unofficial.

Learning aims and outcomes

  • To learn about local significant historical events, people and places, linking them to national and international events
  • To study an aspect of significant local history dating from a period beyond 1066
  • Gain an understanding of historical concepts, such as significance
  • Learn how the status of professional footballers has changed over the past century
  • Understand how war and politics impacted the life of Frank Soo
  • Understand what Frank Soo’s legacy is today in the broader football community
  • Think about why we remember certain people and places, and what that tells us about our history

Prior knowledge

  • No prior knowledge is required

Extended learning and useful links

Also of interest

Frank Soo