Upcoming assemblies

February 2012

How far would you go? - KS3/4
This set of assemblies helps students to think about lying, stealing and swearing and poses the question ‘Just how far would you go?' Each assembly looks at a diverse range of opinions and considers the wider consequences of each of these behaviours.
Key value: Respecting other people

Charles Dickens - KS3/4
To celebrate 200 years since the birth of the writer Charles Dickens in 2012, this set of assemblies looks at three of Dickens's best loved novels, focusing on social values within them that are still relevant today.
Key value: Working to improve society

In the end is my beginning... - KS4/5
This set of assemblies on life after death looks at the different ways people of faith have come to terms with death. It helps students explore how beliefs about death might affect the way we live our lives.
Key value: Understanding ourselves

March 2012

Tales from the Twilight Saga - KS3/4
The phenomenally successful Twilight Saga could be seen as complete fantasy, with nothing to do with the real world, and yet the themes found within are fundamental realities of human relationships. By using key characters from the first three novels/films, these assemblies address the issues of temptation, loss and co-operation.
Key value: Learning from others

Jesus' healing miracles - KS3/4
This set of assemblies draws out allegorical teaching from Jesus's healing of a blind man, a deaf man and a paralysed man. Students are encouraged to consider the meaning and value of insight, sensitive listening and freedom of movement.
Key value: Understanding ourselves

Women on the move - KS4/5
This set of assemblies presents some positive modern female role-models in politics, sport and science. It encourages students to overcome gender discrimination.
Key value: Overcoming discrimination

April 2012

Excuses, excuses - KS3/4
This set of assemblies focuses on three common excuses for immoral actions: ‘Everybody's doing it', ‘It was only a joke' and ‘They started it.' Students are asked to consider these moral evasions and encouraged to take a stand against them.
Key value: Developing personal values

We shall overcome - KS3/4
This set of assemblies is presented as a series of stories of young people who have overcome prejudice about appearances, their family circumstances, and failure. It encourages students to aspire to overcome their own set-backs.
Key value: Developing self esteem

Challenging Christianity - KS4/5
This set of assemblies looks at how Christianity is portrayed in the media and how some Christians have been publicly censured for expressing their beliefs, as well as looking at the persecution of Christians in parts of the world. It encourages students to be able to discuss their beliefs in reasonable ways.
Key value: Truth and open-mindedness

May 2012

Becoming a teenager - KS3/4
Based on ‘Teenagers: a natural history' by David Bainbridge, with its positive perspective on adolescence, these assemblies tackle the physical growth, the emotional see-saw and the mental development of the teenage years.
Key value: Personal development

Do you believe in God? - KS3/4
These assemblies consider the meaning of theism, atheism and agnosticism and challenge students to think about their own beliefs.
Key value: Truth and open-mindedness

Mirrors - KS4/5
This set of assemblies introduces students to three ancient myths about mirrors and draws out lessons for us all. The Greek myth of Narcissus teaches the importance of looking beyond ourselves. The Aztec myth of Tezcatlipoca teaches the importance of seeing who we really are. The Japanese myth of Yata No Kagani asks what we would like to see in our mirror if it could reflect our soul.
Key value: Understanding ourselves

June 2012

He never said - KS3/4
This set of assemblies looks at some popular sayings wrongfully attributed to Jesus: ‘An eye for an eye', ‘God helps those who help themselves' and ‘Money is the root of all evil.' It explores the correct sayings and where they come from and considers their relevance today.
Key value: Seeing the bigger picture

Changing the world - KS3/4
Bob Geldof with Live Aid, Richard Curtis with Comic Relief and Joanna Lumley with the Gurkhas all made a difference. This set of assemblies asks students what difference they want to make in their lives.
Key value: Changing society

Life changing - KS4/5
Everywhere you turn it seems that people are offered the opportunity to change their lives. This set of assemblies explores opportunities to change our bodies, minds and lifestyle. It asks students why they might want to change themselves and if the life-changing offers are meaningful or vacuous.
Key value: Personal development

July 2012

Learning to learn - KS3/4
These three assemblies, on the wonder of our minds and bodies, explore the science of learning and simple actions that would enable better learning to take place.
Key value: A sense of wonder

Destined to be losers? - KS3/4
This set of assemblies considers three famous people who became successful after a disadvantaged childhood: Samuel Johnson, creator of the first comprehensive English dictionary; Charles Dickens, the great novelist; and Sojourner Truth, the African-American woman who fought for civil rights in the 19th Century. It encourages students to aim high and not to use their backgrounds as an excuse.
Key value: Raising aspirations

Working for a charity - KS4/5
This set of assemblies is based on Headway, the charity for those who suffer due to head injuries. It explores three different roles of people who work for this charity: a professional fund-raiser, a paid carer, and a volunteer. Each raises its own questions for students relating to motivation, commitment, financial reward and unselfishness.
Key value: Care and concern for others