Above is a PDF of our assembly calendar for the year 2023-2024.
You can see from the first page what the intent for weekly assemblies is and that they have an international or celebration focus. As these assemblies are on Monday, they set the tone for the week and also result in curriculum linked learning within classrooms. Ensuring these themes are mapped out with staff in advance allows time for curriculum linked planning.
Our assembly calendar is essential to the culture and ethos of our school. We use these whole school opportunities to raise cultural awareness and appreciate diversity, exposing pupils to different cultures, celebrations and traditions.
The help pupils understand global citizenship, looking at global issues in other countries, or our own, leading us all to become more informed citizens and ensuring they are taking an active role in life.
Pupils' horizons are broadened. International themes ignite curiosity and often lead pupils on further learning journeys, whether back in class or in their own time. Pupils are inspired to learn more about geography, history, the arts, languages and experiences that different people have.
Our whole school assemblies are used to raise awareness and challenge stereotypes. Our learner profile attribute of open-minded features prominently in all assemblies.
Our assemblies also enhance engagement. Often, stories, songs, music, props etc are used to deliver assemblies, and pupils also have an active role, either in preparing, or participating.
Below are some examples of assemblies, which are often led by classes. You will find more information on the Wednesday assemblies in the section 'United by Music'.
Below are examples of materials used and shared at an assembly with an international theme. In this instance, Year 4 were involved in preparing the assembly and delivering it to the school. There are slides and a PDF transcript of their lines. There are also photos below and a video of their closing remarks in the assembly.
As we have updated the books in our library over the past 2 years, we are able to create specific displays for the assembly theme so that pupils have the opportunity to explore themes or issues further, either in class or in their own social times in school.