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Home News & Events Assemblies at Underley Garden – Autumn 2
Assemblies are fundamental components in creating inclusive learning environments for children with diverse learning needs. These activities promote social, emotional, and academic growth while fostering a sense of belonging among students. Here is an overview of our assemblies in Autumn 2.
Week 1 – Remembrance Day
On Remembrance Day we had an assembly where we talked about the different people that we remember on this day, such as soldiers, medics, airmen and sailors and the sacrifices they have made for our today. We then talked about when Remembrance day is and that it is the anniversary of the end of World War One. The young people then watched a video about the history of the red poppy. They showed their understanding of this by answering quiz questions. They learned that the poppy is a symbol of remembrance and that they grew in the battlefields inspiring the ‘Flanders Field’ poem. The young people then learned what is done with the money raised through selling poppies and what the Royal British Legion does for war veterans. They then talked about the local war memorial in Kirkby Lonsdale and that it is somewhere they can pay their respects to those who have and continue to fight for our freedom. They then coloured in different size poppies which were attached together to make a wreath which they held during the two-minute silence.
Week 2 – Anti-bullying week
The assembly started by having an open discussion about what the young people thought anti-bullying week was. They shared that it was a week to learn about and raise awareness for how to help stop bullying. We then discussed that the topic for this years anti-bullying week was ‘choose respect’. The young people then learned what the definition of bullying is and that it is repetitive and intentional behaviours before identifying different types of bullying such as, physical, verbal, online and social exclusion. When talking through each type of bullying they role-played examples of each type to ensure they knew how to identify different bullying behaviours. We then talked about the importance of talking to trusted adults if someone felt bullied or as though they were witnessing bullying and the young people were reminded of who the designated safeguarding leads are and how they can help before discussing how to help stop bullying. They then played thumbs up/ thumbs down in response to different respectful/ disrespectful activities before writing something kind about a peer on a paper chain link. These links were all added to the chain to represent the respect and friendship bonds through the Quad area of school.
Week 3 – ‘Movember’
This week we talked about Movember and what it does as a charity. We talked about how it promotes happier, healthier and longer lives for men. The young people then talked about the three main health conditions that Movember supports before discussing who they can speak to if they ever have any concerns related to these health conditions. They then discussed what mental health is and why we need to look after it before discussing the signs of struggling to look after our own mental health. The young people then watched a video clip encouraging them to ask twice when they as someone ‘how they are’ to give people the chance to answer how they actually are instead of responding that they are doing ‘okay’. Lastly, they discussed what they could do to support Movember. Ideas included growing a moustache like some of their teaching staff had done, doing a sponsored mo-ve event or hosting a mo-ment, for example a party to raise awareness. To finish the assembly they each coloured in a moustache and wrote a message of support for anyone who may be struggling with the health conditions related to Movember. They then stuck these up around school for their peers and staff to see.
Week 4 – What Jobs People Do
The young people started by sharing what job they would like to do in the future. These ranged from electricians to nail artists and waitresses. They then discussed different types of jobs. They were given a job category and had to think what jobs would go under that heading. They discussed emergency workers, education, trades people and hospitality. As a group they then played the alphabet game. They managed to come up with a job starting with each letter of the alphabet. The jobs they came up with showed a huge variety of jobs, teaching them that there are so many different jobs that need to be done. They finished off by playing a career based guess who. They each had grids with lots of different employees on in clear uniforms to show their job. In partners, the young people took it in turns to ask questions about the jobs they could see, instead of appearances, to see if they could guess their partners chosen employee through career based questions. This was a great assembly building on their knowledge of Careers and their own awareness of their hopes and aspirations.
Week 5 – Christmas Jumper Day
The young people participated well in this assembly and started by watching a video from ‘Save the Children’ about what Christmas jumper day is and why we have it. They then talked about what ‘Save the Children’ do in terms of raising money for children who are suffering. They also discussed how the money they donated would be used to make up education packs and to fund health care for children who do not have access to it. The young people then listened to a case study about a lady who received a grant from ‘Save the Children’ to help her buy the items she needed for her new born twins and discussed again how the money they raised would be used to ensure babies and children had what they needed to live a more comfortable life. They were then encouraged to colour in their Christmas jumper however they liked to show their support for ‘Save the Children’.
Week 6 – Why do we celebrate Christmas?
The young people started by watching a video about the Christmas Nativity Story. They learned about Joseph and Mary’s travels and Jesus’ birth. They then discussed that Christmas is about celebrating Jesus’ birthday and is a time to spend with family and friends and those we care about. They also spoke about the relation of giving presents at Christmas resembles the gifts given by the three wise men. They finished assembly by enjoying some Christmas crafts and card making, Christmas music and Christmas games.
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