Policy for Assemblies
Our Aims
To enable pupils to explore a variety of forms of worship.To develop a sense of community within the school.
To create an atmosphere in which those who wish to worship can do so.
To increase sensitivity so that pupils are more aware of the search for meaning in the face of life?s mysteries.
To introduce pupils to aspects of religious worship in an open and honest atmosphere.
To enable pupils to use silence for stilling, reflection, contemplation, meditation and, if appropriate, prayer.
To make explicit and to celebrate what has meaning, value and purpose for pupils as individuals, for the school, and the wider community.
To celebrate achievements and special occasions in respect of individuals, the school and the wider community.
To celebrate difference and diversity.
To heighten aesthetic awareness and to enable pupils to appreciate the use of symbolism and religious language to express feelings and belief.
To encourage pupils to express their responses in a variety of different ways - music, dance, drama, movement, art and craft, poetry and prose. Back to top
Timing and frequency
Assemblies will take place once a day, usually in the morning.The assembly will usually last about ten minutes. On special occasions - when a class is leading the assembly - the timing will probably be longer. Back to top
Planning and leading the assemblies
Each week the assemblies will follow an agreed theme which will also, where appropriate, link in with the units being followed in the RE lesson. In planning assemblies consideration will be made to any special events, celebrations, Saints Days etc so that they can be included in the theme.The head teacher, deputy head teacher and staff will all lead the assemblies on a regular basis. One assembly each week will be used to celebrate any birthdays, appreciate and value the achievements of the children in their school activities and also recognise those children who have shown particular thoughtfulness.. There will also be opportunity on another day for children to share with their peers any successes they may have had in out of school activities such as swimming. When appropriate members of the community or other visitors will be invited to take part in assemblies. Back to top
Content and delivery
This will often include work produced by the pupils, and the pupils themselves will often be involved. Other methods of delivery could involve:~ The spoken word - story, poetry, personal experiences, interviews, discussion, factual
accounts.
~ Music - classical, pop, folk, performed live, singing games, hymns, songs.
~ Visual stimuli - pictures, posters, artefacts, natural objects, religious objects, video recordings.
~ Performance - dance, movement, mime, drama, role play.
~ Silence - stilling, reflection, contemplation, and if appropriate, prayer.
In many cases the assembly will include several different methods of delivery.
During an academic year each class or year group will lead an assembly to which parents will be invited to share in the celebration of the childrenˇ¦s work. There will be other opportunities for parents to join the pupils, probably for a Harvest and Christmas celebration or on other occasions that are appropriate.
Policy reviewed September 2003/ September 2004 Back to top