A look at how schools of different faiths focus their assemblies, allowing creative interpretations of a whole range of subjects.

Assemblies

Ten boys act in front of their fellow pupils in a school assembly

In this programme, Al Hijrah Secondary School hosts an assembly that sees 10 boys perform in front of their fellow pupils. Al Hijar Secondary School is the UK's only state-funded Muslim school. The headteacher wants to incorporate pupils into assemblies so asks them to act out a scene to illustrate the theme or topic. Thirty minutes before the assembly he selects up to ten boys and briefs them about the assembly theme. He believes that giving them a short time scale to prepare makes them work smarter, and believes that by the end of the year all the pupils will have had the opportunity to act in an assembly.

Al-Hijrah School

Chandos School pupils vote for a student council representative

In this programme, Chandos School hold an assembly, allowing pupils to vote for their representative on the school student council. Chandos School has pupils with a number of faiths between them. The school chooses to leave faith to its religion and RE lessons, using daily assemblies to concentrate on helping their pupils become better citizens. This assembly comes at a point in the term when students are voting for who should represent them on the school's student council. The deputy head chairs the assembly and candidates make their presentations, before facing a final vote.

Chandos School

A Year 8 assembly about Remembrance Day

In this programme, Leasowes Community College in the West Midlands hold a Year 8 assembly on the theme of Remembrance. Deputy principle Matthew Mynott plays host, aiming to raise awareness about the topic in the students, as well as opening up a discussion within the assembly. Pupils take part in presenting the assembly, and comment on what they learnt about Remembrance Day.

Leasowes Community College

This programme looks at a St Alban's Primary School assembly

This programme follows an assembly at St Alban's Primary School that focuses on the theme of poetry and smiles. Every Friday afternoon, St Alban's Primary holds a whole-school assembly featuring a class presentation of a biblical tale. This is then followed by a public celebration of birthdays, achievements, awards and prizes presented by the headteacher. The assembly is open to parents and the local community, enabling them to witness the children's achievements as they sing and read aloud. The atmosphere is always positive and uplifting and the head believes that by inviting parents you can overcome threshold difficulties.

St Alban's School

St Nicholas Church of England School pupils perform an assembly

In this programme, a Year 4 class at St Nicholas Church of England Primary School present an assembly about King Henry VIII. Headteacher Louise Mohacsi believes assemblies should be used to enrich children's experiences. Three times each term, Louise invites classes to present a school assembly that focuses on an aspect of the curriculum they have been studying. She believes that by using drama, music and dance, the children not only enjoy themselves but also increase their knowledge of the subject matter. Class teacher Helen Stephenson explains that the assembly is a culmination of research and learning about the period in English history that the students completed in class.

St Nicholas C of E School

A fun and engaging current affairs assembly on the UN

Woodway Park School shows how it makes assemblies educational and interactive, using the example of an assembly on the role of the United Nations and World Food Day.Staff explain how they encourage active particiaption, which helps the pupils understand the themes of each assembly. They link assemblies closely with the PSHE and citizenship curriculums and aim to make each one fun and inspirational.Pupils also share what they like about assemblies.

Professional Development for Quality Teaching

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Al-Hijrah School

Chandos School

Leasowes Community College

St Alban's School

St Nicholas C of E School

Woodway Park School