An assembly that explores what compassion means, and uses ideas from the bible and modern life to provide a thoughtful session for pupils to think more deeply.

A cross curricular SOW I wrote for my History department which worked alongside the Drama team. The pupils loved the fact they went to both subjects and explore the same topic. I have also included the first lesson. History focused on the building of the ship and the tragic events while Drama studied the passengers and Edwardian class system.

An assembly aimed at exploding the myth brains are fixed and don’t change. It looks at the science behind neuroplasticity through a video link and real life examples. Finally it looks at how these findings can be applied to learning.

An assembly that looks at the work of charities and the benefits of volunteering. There are some videos from ‘V’ that introduces pupils to their work.

An assembly that explores the physical and spiritual dimensions about identity, including references to religion.

An assembly that looks at what rights are and the difference between a ‘want’ and a ‘need’ making reference to everyday items and the UNCRC.

A suggested structure of the lesson: Starter Display picture of fun in the Middle Ages. Pupils have to identify as many forms of entertainment as they can. Next, pupils study an image of the Feudal System and are asked to calculate the differences in classes according to the diagram. They are also asked what they can learn from this source. Main activities Think, Pair, Share – Pupils read and then shade in details about Medieval fun that looks dangerous and other activities that don’t. Emerging/Secure/Mastery choice activities – Pupils complete 2 activities (one literacy and one visual/creative) to help consolidate and show their understanding of medieval entertainment. Plenary Display the picture of fun in the Middle Ages used in the starter. Pupils have to identify as many forms of entertainment as they can. Have they discovered anymore? What activities are missing?

It never fails to amaze me how much children enjoy a good murder investigation! This lesson is an introduction to how historians 'do' history. Pupils are introduced the concept of inference during the lesson. It also has a literacy twist in that after they have investigated the murder they have to write a piece of discursive writing.

A short assembly that considers how children move on through transition. Easily adaptable to your setting. Includes a reference to Tony Walsh’s ‘New Beginnings’. You may need to find the Youtube clip if the link gets updated.

A great way to revise the key events and features of the Norman Conquest. There is a pupil revision sheet which you need to expand to A3 that holds all the information they need to complete the tasks. There is a link (on note section of PP) to a website with the documentary for completing part of the lesson. The lesson covers the main events of 1066 (including the Battle of Hastings) and ways William controlled the English. Good as the first lesson on revision to help them get an overview of the chronology of the period.

Two assemblies (linked) about emotional wellbeing. Includes: An explanation of emotions and how they link to the brain An interactive game to get pupils thinking about empathy A description of Dan Siegel’s hand model Ways pupils could improve their mental wellbeing Slide notes to help with the delivery of the assembly You can adapt the assemblies to your settings. If you would like more information on emotional wellbeing CPD or further assistance then email me on dan@talkingleaders.co.uk

A full set of resources to deliver a half term scheme of work on the History of Fun. This is a great way to get pupils thinking about the development of themes over time. It is in chronological order and includes lessons on: - First humans - Egyptians - Greeks - Romans - Medieval - Tudors - Victorians - 20th century There is also an assessment with lessons that can be used summatively. NOTE - Some lessons (e.g. Romans and Egyptians) are sold separately by me. I put these all together with the other lessons due to a number of requests from people who wanted to buy the whole unit.

An assembly that looks at the ingredients that make up ambition. It also goes through how often to reach your ambitious goals you will get setbacks. I use the story of Jamie Vardy to illustrate this. I have included some notes on the PP slides to help you deliver it and explore the concepts with your pupils.

An assembly based around Edith Cavell and her story during WWI. It also looks at British nurses during the Great War. There is reference to poetry. It also makes a nice change to have the focus on a woman and her heroics.

An assembly that looks at consideration of other's views with links to British Values and activities in school. It also explores the theme through Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and has a growth mindset challenge to set pupils for the week.

An assembly about the dangers of fireworks and points to consider for children when watching and using them.

A lesson that looks at significance and, in particular, individuals who are deemed important. Pupils watch the first 10 minutes of the BBC YouTube documentary on Brunel (Greatest Britons) and then debate using resources why he is deemed significant. They rate him according to criteria and summarize their thoughts.

A document to use as an SLT to evidence your progress against the Ofsted criteria, highlight areas if strength, and areas for development. A good way to keep self evaluating is have the template as a working document that you update each term. Think about: Specific evidence (e.g. events, data highlights) instead of a narrative. Next steps could help determine your SIP

A form that can be used for SENCo’s and leaders to monitor the achievement and progress of EHCP pupils. I have used this in schools as a way of pin pointing provision for these pupils, sharing key information with teachers and ensuring the pupil is getting the relevant holistic education they need. Feel free to use or adapt as necessary.

A simple and editable action plan for school leaders to use and assess progress against, the Ofsted recommendations from the June 2021 report on sexual abuse.