Facing History Approach to Assemblies
Assemblies are a critical part of the school day. Regular assemblies provide an opportunity to bring your students together in order to introduce important issues and share your school’s values and priorities. Utilised correctly, assemblies have the potential to build an inclusive and supportive school community.
At Facing History, our assemblies have been designed to introduce students to significant annual and/or historical events, whilst supporting them to become empathetic and critical thinkers. Each assembly also provides students with opportunities to share their thoughts with each other, helping them to develop oracy and listening skills. The assemblies last for approximately 20 minutes, but can be adapted to suit your specific timing requirements.
Facing History assemblies do not require specialist knowledge and are suitable for use in a S1-4, or KS3-KS4 assembly or in tutor time/PSHE. Some assemblies have been adapted from existing Facing History lessons and resources available on our website, while others have been newly created.
Assemblies in October
There are four assemblies available for use in October.
National Poetry Day
National Poetry Day takes place on 3rd October and it is an opportunity for young people to celebrate poetry, words and voices. The theme for this year’s National Poetry Day is counting. This assembly encourages young people to consider what poetry is and gives them the chance to write their own poem inspired by binaries and the number 2. Additionally, this assembly provides students with time to reflect on how poems can assist the ‘raising of consciousness’ and be used to publicise issues, events or topics. Inspired by SheBeKeKe’s poem ‘Count’, they consider how they can base a poem on a number to raise awareness on an issue they think is important.
Black History Month
In the UK, Black History Month takes place throughout the month of October and it is an opportunity for schools to celebrate and centre Black history. The theme of Black History Month 2024 is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ and is about ensuring that Black British history is told with respect, dignity and accuracy, and that Black Britons are heard, have their experiences acknowledged, and their contributions celebrated. It is also an invitation to Black Britons to take part in shaping how Black British stories are told. In this assembly, students are asked to consider what narratives are, how they impact people’s understanding of the world and of their culture and identity. Students then listen to and discuss John Agard’s poem ‘Checking Out Me History’, which explores how history and the stories we hear shape us, and recounts the achievements of Black people.
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day takes place on 10th October and is an opportunity for us to centre conversations around mental health and wellbeing. These conversations are essential as mental health conditions are on the rise. This assembly encourages young people to consider the state of their own mental health and what steps they can take to improve it. They will also have the opportunity to watch a video that explores the impact that poor mental health can have and how people can look after their mental health.
Anti-Slavery Day
Anti-Slavery Day takes place annually on 18th October and it is an opportunity to raise awareness of human trafficking and modern slavery. During this assembly, students will have an opportunity to consider if slavery is still an issue that should concern us today and will reflect on some statistics around modern slavery. They will also have an opportunity to watch a video about the Olympian Mo Farah, who was a victim of human trafficking as a child.
Notes for Use
Download the student-facing slides here. While you may need to modify these to meet the needs of your students, please note that Facing History and Ourselves does not endorse any changes that alter the presentation's content or original layout.
