KS3 Assembly - although would also be relevant to older year groups. PPT details the connection between attendance and attainment - illustrating how 'odd days off' add to make a significant difference.

Pupils discuss the painting ‘In the Night Cafe’ by Vincent Van Gogh, as mentioned in the opening stage directions to the scene. They then go on the look at the 1947, Thomas Hart Benton painting based on the scene from the film version of the play. Annotating both images to find links to the characters, themes and setting. The PPT details presents pupils with information about the characters and symbols in this scene, for discussion and text annotation. Pupils are given an extract to analyse the stage directions to prompt discussion of William’s unusual descriptive use of the technique. The lesson ends with pupils completing a written task.

Introduction to satire in Animal Farm. Pupils are given detailed notes and then asked to summarise the content. PPT introduces a variety of front covers for analysis. The PPT finishes on a definition of allegory and that AF is an allegory fro the Russian Revolution - groups could then mind map all previous knowledge of the Russians/Russian Revolution to predict the story of AF.

Assembly aimed at Year 8 or 9. Includes the YouTube short film 'Exposed'. This 10 minute drama has been designed for 14 to 18 year olds. 'Exposed' deals with the subjects of sexting and cyberbullying, issues that teenagers commonly face. PPT includes two real life examples of male victims who take their own lives - consider audience.

Assembly giving pupils practical advice on studying and revision. Used with Year 9 but could also be used for GCSE groups.

An assembly all about sleep. What happens if we don't have enough - how much a teenager needs. A show of hands at the beginning normally reveals they have far less that they should!

Assembly what Summer Solstice is and what we spend all of our time doing. Sleeping: 24 years (approximately one third of our lives!) Eating: 6 yearsWatching TV: 9 yearsWaiting in a queue (including at traffic lights): 5 yearsHousework: 4 yearsToilet: 18 monthsKissing: 2.5 weeks Purpose is to encourage pupils to make the most of every day. Hands up revealed some of my pupils spend more time on the xbox than sleeping.

PPT initially created to guide Year 8 pupils through making a good speech/presentation for their English Speaking Board examination (ESB), however could be used for any speech/presentation task. A series of images and tips to prepare and give pupils confidence in their own performance.

Introduction to William Blake, specifically Songs of Innocence and Experience. The presentation provides biographical contextual information before asking pupils to consider what the title means. Focusing on the quote ‘Being the two contrary states of the human soul’ the PPT explores Blake’s influences: IndustrIal Age, Romanticism, Science, Religion and Revolution.

A Year 7 lesson looking at quotes from Chapter 10. Pupils are guided through the PEE structure. Tasks include groups producing PEE cards to be swapped and put the end of the lesson pupils should have the ability to select appropriate quotes from the book, and give personal opinions about what they mean.

Year 7 lesson activity, guiding pupils through writing their own mythological story. I normally use this after studying Greek Myths or Myths and Legends. Pupils are asked to select a natural phenomenon and consider how this would have been explained in Ancient Greece. Pupils select four components from a list, their challenge is to include these in their story within a limited word count. Pupils create neat booklets, these look great on a display.

Assembly based on bullying within friendships and the workplace. The purpose is to encourage pupils to know their own mind but more importantly, for those who bully to recognise this in their behaviour towards 'friends'.

Year 7 or 8 media scheme of work. In groups pupils consider the various aspects of advertising; logos, slogans, language. Their task is to design and present a campaign on animal welfare and reflect on their choices at the end. This can be delivered over 1/2 lessons or given time/resources used to aid a more developed campaign. My last group made tote bags, business cards, recorded role plays...

Assembly looking at optical illusion photographs - some discussion about things not always being what they first appear. Introducing a competition for Year 8 to see who can take the best optical illusion photograph.

A lesson guiding pupils to consider pace, tone, accent and body language in performing poetry. Ideal for group work and a fun task. Pupils are encouraged to apply the different aspects to their own poem throughout the lesson.

Lesson showing Blue Peter's iconic 'Tracey Island' demonstration. Pupils note key aspects of writing instructions before brainstorming ideas as a group. After deciding, they all write instructions (homework to write/present in neat) and consider logistics of presenting. This year we had waffles made from scratch, cake decorating - with lots of 'here's one I made earlier' Yoga, paninis, smoothies, origami and lots of other fun demonstrations.