Reconciliation: the work of Desmond Tutu
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Desmond Tutu promoted reconciliation in South Africa and the connection to Christian teaching.
Key learning points
- Desmond Tutu was a Christian leader who worked for peace and justice in South Africa.
- Apartheid divided South Africa, but Desmond Tutu preached love and reconciliation.
- He helped create the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to allow offenders to seek forgiveness.
- He called South Africa a ''Rainbow Nation'' to celebrate unity.
Keywords
Heal - to get better after being hurt or feeling sad
Justice - being fair and treating everyone with kindness and respect
Reconciliation - forgiving someone and actively trying to rebuild your relationship with them
Common misconception
Desmond Tutu was only active during the apartheid era.
Desmond Tutu played a role after apartheid and was a lifelong campaigner for justice and reconciliation.
Teacher tip
There are many images of Desmond Tutu. You might want to mention he won the Nobel Peace prize for his work.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why is Nelson Mandela an important figure in history?
Q2.What does reconciliation mean?
Q3.How did Mandela promote reconciliation?
Q4.Which part of the South African flag represents the journey from division to peace?
Q5.How do Christians interpret 'I tell you, forgive, not seven times, but seventy times seven times.'
Q6.Which is the best definition of peace?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What does the Truth and Reconciliation Commission do?
Q2.Put the events of Desmond Tutu's life in order.
Q3.Why did Desmond Tutu call South Africa a “Rainbow Nation”?
Q4.Match Desmond Tutu's actions to the teachings of Jesus.
Jesus said ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’.
Jesus said to forgive not seven times, but seventy times seven.
Jesus stood up for the poor and those treated unfairly.
To help you plan your 5 religious education lesson on: Reconciliation: the work of Desmond Tutu, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 religious education lesson on: Reconciliation: the work of Desmond Tutu, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 religious education lessons from the Forgiveness: Is reconciliation possible? unit, dive into the full primary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.