On Tuesday it will be the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

If we were together at school I would definitely be doing an assembly all about her because she was such a significant figure in British history and has always been a hero of mine.

She was born in 1820 and is most famous for her work in improving health conditions in hospitals. I love her because she was a very determined woman who wanted to do something to help others even though that went against social expectations at the time. She loved reading and was very clever and astute (that means quick-thinking). She was an ardent campaigner for women’s rights and she had a pet owl called Athena.

To learn more about her, watch the BBC video all about her and have a go at the activities.

• Why do you think Florence Nightingale is so significant in British history?
• Do you think anything she said or did all those years ago is still important today?
• What do you think she would have been like in real life?
• If you could ask her one question, what would it be?

I hope you enjoy learning all about Florence Nightingale and that she inspires you as much as she has inspired me.

Stay safe everyone.

Mrs Wood

A photograph of Florence Nightingale