I have just started adding my plays to TES (over 400)!but this will take time! All my assemblies/class plays and guided reading scripts are on www.plays-r-ussell.com and I am happy to write on request. I have converted the entire History Key Stage II curriculum into play format - and much of the other subjects such as Science, Geography, PSHE etc. I cover events such as the Olympics and have received great feedback from teachers around the world! Writing is my passion - hope you enjoy my work!
I have just started adding my plays to TES (over 400)!but this will take time! All my assemblies/class plays and guided reading scripts are on www.plays-r-ussell.com and I am happy to write on request. I have converted the entire History Key Stage II curriculum into play format - and much of the other subjects such as Science, Geography, PSHE etc. I cover events such as the Olympics and have received great feedback from teachers around the world! Writing is my passion - hope you enjoy my work!
Seaside Assembly Key Stage I
- based on Unit 4 Geography: Going to the Seaside
and
*Unit 3 History: What were seaside holidays like in the past?
Cast of 30: Teacher, Class plus 'helpers' - in case of Grandpa Brown, not entirely clear who is helping who!
Duration: Around 15 - 20 minutes including music suggestions.
This assembly takes us from the classroom, onto the coach, to the seaside - and back again! Granny and Grandpa Brown provide us with some insights into 'trips to the seaside in their time'. And there is the usual smattering of great songs ... and extremely bad jokes!
If you're planning a trip to the seaside, jump on board this one for some useful tips!
Sample Text:
Child 17 (boy): Sharks!
(Some of the girls start screaming)
Teacher: Stop! Enough, boys! (To girls) They’re just teasing! Nothing for you to worry about! And you won’t be going anywhere near the sea anyway. Why is that?
Child 18: Coz it’s too cold, this time of year, Sir?
Child 19: Coz you forgot your swimming trunks, Sir?
Teacher: (Impatiently) No, no. Nothing like that! Think ‘safety’, children!
Child 20: There could be nasty strong currents, sir!
Grandpa Brown: Currants? Mmm! And raisins? Oh, yes please. I am feeling a little peckish!
Teacher: (Clutching head in exasperation) No, currents as in moving water!
(To Child 20) You’re right! We have to be careful not to go in the water
Child 21: Because of sharks?
(Girls start screaming again)
Teacher: No, no, no! No sharks! We’ll be staying on the beach
India Assembly
Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down
Duration - minimum 10 minutes reading time - this, as explained in Production Notes, could be increased to 30 minutes plus
The cast (should that be caste?!) of this Indian Assembly or Class Play is anything but equal with the appearance of three gods - two with 4 arms and the other with 4 heads - which one is the narrator supposed to address?
Just one of the many problems facing our narrator - the main one being sheer volume of music, colour, joy and .. well everything that makes India such a vibrant country!
Sample Text:
Music 2
(Shiva dances across ‘the stage’)
(Narrator tries to stop him but is confused by the number of arms – four)
Narrator: Er, em, excuse me … but who are you and what are you doing?
Shiva: What am I doing? Isn’t it obvious? I’m dancing, of course!
Narrator: Well, I think we can all see that. But who are you?
Shiva: (Exploding) Who am I? Who am I?
Narrator: Well, if you put it like that – yes, who are you?
(Whole cast gasps in horror)
(Child 7 goes over to Narrator)
Child 7: (Aside) Surely you know who this is?
Narrator: (Irritably) Well, do you really think I’d be asking if I did?
Child 7: It’s Shiva – the Destroyer!
(Narrator gasps)
Narrator: Oh no! Not that god with the power of life and death?
Child 7: That’s the one!
Narrator: (To Shiva) Oh I am most dreadfully sorry! I had no idea that it was you, Shiva!
Shiva: Oh I’ll forgive you! I guess I do look (waving arms around) pretty ‘armless!
Narrator: Well, I wouldn’t say that! I mean, I think I counted … four arms?
Shiva: Oh that’s nothing! When you compare it with number of names I have!
Narrator: And they are? (Holds up fingers to start counting on) Now, let’s see. Starting with Shiva …
Shiva: Er, I don’t think we have time to run through the others – there are over one thousand of them!
This is one of several assemblies written by Sue Russell on different countries. Others include England, Scotland, Wales, Great Britain, Holland, Australia, France, Spain, Malta and India plus ‘Around the World in 20 Minutes’.
Other Indian scripts:
Divali and the Story of Rama & Sita (as a play within a play - a little like Midsummer Night’s Dream!)
plus scripts on Gandhi and on the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Africa Assembly
This African Class Play covers North, South, East, West and Central Africa
Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down
Duration - 15 minutes without inclusion of music (playlist of 14 wonderful songs - this could double length of performance!)
With so much extraordinary wildlife, is there going to be any time left for just a mention of man's part in this vast continent?! Our trusty narrator will, as always, make sure this happens - striving as always to keep his cast members under control! He does, however, have his work cut out for him with this one - keen safari members, intrepid expeditionaries, dancing tribesmen, and Ancient Egyptians … all proving more than a match for the wildlife?!
Sample Text
Narrator: (Aside to audience) Phew! At least we were spared the music this time
Music 13 In the Jungle the Mighty Jungle – Lion King (opening lines)
Narrator: Oh no! I spoke too soon! Stop! You know what we need around here? A piece of real drama!
(Narrator beckons to Children 25-29 and after a quick ‘conversation’, children line up and address the audience)
Child 25: We would like to perform for you a brief African Adventure.
Child 26: Starring me, the great explorer David Livingstone
Child 27: And me, the equally great Henry Stanley.
Child 26: Er, wait a minute! Who said anything about being equally great? I was the explorer, remember? You just found me!
Child 27: Huh! Famous undoubtedly only because everyone remembers my words ‘Doctor Livingstone, I presume.’! My men and I
(Cheers from Child 28 & 29)
We went on to take part in the biggest African expedition ever.
Child 28: (Wiping his/her brow) Phew! It’s a bit hot for me, under this blazing African sun!
(Loud grunt/growl)
Child 28: (Screaming) Help! What was that?
Child 29: Maybe one of those fierce African tribes we’ve heard so much about!
Both: Run!
Child 28: Livingstone can stick his expedition!
Child 29: We’re off home!
This is one of several assemblies written by Sue Russell on different countries. Others include England, Scotland, Wales, Great Britain, Holland, Australia, France, Spain, Malta and India plus ‘Around the World in 20 Minutes’.
Australian Assembly
In celebration of Australia Day - joint narration by Pom and Swagman - an interesting mix of language and culture! tapping into this great country's history, geography and culture.
Cast Size
24 but easily adjustable up or down (information can be split up between several more children taking cast size to 30)
Duration
Around 10 minutes reading time – this does not include music suggestions and ‘song performances’
Following is a review from publisher contact:
A short play giving a lot of information about the land down under: some history, some wildlife, some music and some facts and figures to round it all out.
This is another well-presented assembly from Sue Russell. There is the usual large cast size to accommodate a class group, with the many, small parts offset by having the two main characters who are onstage for the majority of the production. There are regular musical interludes to add interest, and any passages that contain recitation of facts, figures or histories are balanced by changing the speakers or having the characters react – I particularly liked the Swagman complaining there was too much dry information.
To conclude: a bright, fast overview of a big, big country and a good introduction to a school topic.
Sample Text
Narrator: Good morning and welcome to our assembly on Australia.
(Swagman strolls nonchalantly onto stage, looking around and ‘sizing' everyone up, before going over to Narrator, who is eyeing him cautiously)
Swagman: G'day, mate! So what's all this about?
Narrator: (Politely) Begging your pardon ..
Swagman: (Interrupting) Ah! A Pom! Now how did I guess?
Narrator: (Defensively) Something to do with me speaking the Queen's English? And as one of her loyal servants
Swagman: (Interrupting) Don't tell me! You're gonna tell all these good folks about life ‘Down Under'? Well, allow me to help out a little. (Turning to Cast) What says you to us livening things up a little around here?
(Whole cast nods enthusiastically, relaxing former ‘standing on ceremony' posture)
(Swagman walks over to CD player and turns on ‘Down Under' - chorus, children singing and dancing, whilst Narrator looks on in horror)
Music 2 - Down Under by Men at Work
Narrator: (To Cast) Cut!
(To Swagman, irately) Hey! Just what do you think you are doing? I'm in charge here!
Swagman: No worries, mate! No need to chuck a wobbly! I was only trying to help. (Pointing to Cast) These guys and Sheilas just looked like they'd enjoy a little taste of the real Oz.
Narrator: What? As delivered by a .. by a ...
Swagman: Swagman, that's me! And here (taking off bag from his back) .. Meet Matilda!
Chocolate Assembly
(Also available in Key Stage I version)
Cast of 30 though easily adaptable up or down.
Duration around 15 - 20 minutes.
This script on Chocolate covers all subjects of the curriculum i.e. it's a class theme. And how can it not be a popular one when there are so many of everyone's favourite indulgence in it - CHOCOLATES!
While covering a few of these (make that 32 - and that doesn't cover the box contents!) there is ample coverage of chocolate's 2,000 year old history - way back to the ancient Mayan culture, .. and not forgetting the amazing Mr Cadbury of course!
As chocolate is 'the class theme' there are cross curricular links - covering all primary school subjects - this great challenge rewarded by a generous dose of .... you've guessed! Chocolate!
I'm guessing of all my assemblies this one will go down best with both cast and audience!
Don't miss out!
Sample Text:
Child 2: (To Head) And I believe you have a box or two, hidden away, for your staff?
(Head turns to Music Teacher)
Head: Oops! It seems our secret is out!
Child 2: No secret! We only had to look at all the weight our teachers were putting on!
(Head reluctantly hands box of Roses chocolates to Child 2)
Child 2: Thank you! Ah! (Rubbing tummy) That’s better!
Head: (Grunting) Don’t tell me! This is the P.S.H.E. part!
Child 2: Correct!
Whole cast: (Rubbing tummies) Chocolate makes you feel so good!
Child 3: And then there are all those lovely colours, flavours and pretty wrappers. Take this box of Cadburys Roses for example.
(Each child holds up the sweet they are naming)
Child 4: Strawberry Dream!
Child 5: Golden Barrel!
Child 6: Tangy Orange Crème!
Child 7: Brazilian Darkness!
(Child 8 walks over and takes a box of Milk Tray from protesting Head; the opened box is then offered to Child 9 - 12 in turn, calling out names as they take them)
Nelson Mandela Guided Reading Play (or Readers Theater).
6 speakers plus quiz. An in-depth discussion amongst the key 'players' in Mandela's life, raising many issues for further discussion among students.
This is one of a collection of 5 plays - Unit 20 Famous People of the 20th Century:
1. Martin Luther King 2. Nelson Mandela 3. Mahatma Gandhi 4. John Lennon 5. Prominent Women (Helen Keller, Anne Frank, Marie Curie, Mother Theresa, Margaret Thatcher and Princess Diana)
Speakers:
Nelson Mandela
Winnie (second wife)
Desmond Tutu
P.W. Botha (Nationalist Party - hardliner)
F.W. de Klerk (Nationalist Party - moderate)
Nobel Peace Committee
Sample Text:
Mandela:
1994! What a year in South African history!
Winnie:
The year you became South Africa's first black President!
Botha:
The year the African National Congress won the election.
De Klerk:
The year millions lined up to vote with Nelson Mandela for the first time.
Winnie:
The year my husband said "We are moving from an era of resistance, division, oppression, turmoil and conflict and starting a new era of hope, reconciliation and nation-building. I sincerely hope that the mere casting of a vote ... will give hope to all South Africans."
Tutu:
And it did that all right! After all those years of injustice and suffering. At last the battle was won!
Also written by Sue Russell:
Black History:
• The Slave Trade
• Heroes of the Underground Railroad
• Amazing Women in the American Civil Rights Movement
• Martin Luther King
• Nelson Mandela
And
American Heroes:
• Heroes of the American War of Independence
• Heroes of the Underground Railroad
• Native American Heroes
• Heroes in Science and Space Exploration
• Heroes from Different Walks of Life (incl. children)
And
Amazing Women:
• From across the world 15th – 20th century
• From across the world 20th century
• In the American Women’s Suffrage Movement
• In the American Civil Rights Movement
• And First Ladies 31-35 (taken from First Ladies collection)
Children of the World Class Play or Assembly
Cast of 30 (easily adapted up or down)
Duration: Reading time: 10 - 15 minutes; this does not include music selections, and can be extended with the addition of more jokes
I have recently updated this script. It was originally written for children whose first language was not English so the language was very simple. I have added to the content – so it is suitable for the whole of Key Stage II, with the proviso that it may need a little simplification/shortening for Years 3 to 4. I work on the basis that it is easier to simplify text/take out chunks than it is to add on. I think this has made the script more rounded and complete.
This script is a celebration of children around the world. It has a serious quality - addressing such issues as the importance of celebrating diversity in our world; but a great deal of fun too - with a large selection of jokes - some or all of which may be used at the discretion of the teacher!
Narrator: (Clutching his head) But sorry, I’m just not getting this! How can you children, from every corner of the world, have anything in common? You lead such different lives!
Child 11: That’s true. We have different religions
Child 12: We have different hobbies
Child 13: We listen to different music
Child 14: We sing different songs!
Child 15: But we are all part of this amazing thing called humanity!
Child 16: And we should never let our differences stand between us!
Other PSHE scripts written by Sue Russell:
• You are Not Alone – Anti-Bullying Assembly
• Rock Star – Self Esteem Assembly based on Hannah Montana
• P.R.I.D.E. Assembly and Guided Reading Scripts - set out to demonstrate the importance of P.R.I.D.E. - an acronym for Positive attitude; Respect for yourself and others; the ability to make Intelligent decisions; time to Dream; and not forgetting all the Effort that needs to be put in - in all walks of life. The sport (basketball) can be easily replaced by another. This Class Play provides the perfect way of demonstrating what it takes to make it in life - the kind of success story all children can aspire to. I have used these to cover many events e.g. World Cup (football and rugby), Olympics etc.
• Happy to be me Assembly
• Character Assembly – What it Takes To Be Good
• Feeling Sad Assembly
• Good to Talk – 2 speaker script
• If – Rudyard Kipling Assembly
• British Values Assembly
• Monsters Assembly
• Dance Around the World Assembly
• Also available: a set of PSHE scripts based on fairy stories – Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty (alternative versions) – which deal with certain themes – serious subjects but handled with sensitivity and humour.
School's Out Leavers' Assembly
The cast size (30) can easily be adapted up (for a year group) or down, if necessary, to suit class size of less than 30.
Duration: Reading time is only about 5 minutes. However, if all 12 songs are used, and say 2 minutes of each are performed, then this takes performance up to around 30 minutes. This is a rough figure depending heavily on how much of each song is used.
What does it take to put a smile on those Year 6 faces? Maybe a large dose of great music and some equally great performances .... by the staff?! The lengths teachers will go to - or are we all really just frustrated rock stars underneath?!
Easy to produce, great fun to do!
Sample Text:
Music 1 Yesterday – Beatles
(Children file into places, singing as they come in and become seated; at the end of the song, all sit disconsolately, hanging heads in misery; group of teachers stand to one side, listening to their students)
Teacher 1: What a beautiful song!
Teacher 2: But why the long faces?
Teacher 3: Why so sad?
Teacher 4: What have you got to feel sad about?
Teacher 5: This is your last day at school! Wouldn’t a better choice of music be …?
Music 2 School’s Out – Alice Cooper
(Teachers sing and perform really ‘over the top’ version of song; students look on in horror)
Child 1: And they called us ‘sad’?
Child 2: ‘Sad’ has to be the understatement of the year!
Child 3: I’d say more like – ‘tragedy’!
Teacher 6: (Beaming from ear to ear) Now you’re talking!
Music 3 Tragedy – Steps or Bee Gees
(Teachers again sing and perform totally ‘over the top’ version of the song; students increasingly alarmed)
Child 4: Stop! Stop! Have you all taken leave of your senses?
Teacher 7: Well, this is supposed to be a leavers’ assembly, isn’t it?
(All teachers fall about laughing)
Child 5: But guess what? It’s supposed to be our leavers’ assembly, not yours!
Child 6: Yeah! You’ll all still be here this time next year!
Child 7: Not like us!
Child 8: We’re the ones leaving!
Child 9: Not you!
Teacher 8: So, why aren’t you celebrating?
Other Leavers Assemblies by Sue Russell:
It’s Good to be Me Leavers Assembly
Leavers Assembly for Year 6s
Our School’s Got Talent Leavers Assembly
Olympics Leavers Assembly
Our School's Got Talent Leavers' Assembly
With a panel of judges drawn from teaching staff and school students, is there any possibility of justice - when it comes to judging the contestants?!
Cast Size: 15 – 30 (For larger cast – up to 90 – see Production Notes)
Duration: Around 20-30 minutes (to up to an hour – see Production Notes)
Sample Text
Music 1 - John Williams: Summon the Heroes
(Everyone files in and takes up places)
Head Teacher: Good morning and welcome to our Leavers Assembly for Year 6s. I have great pleasure in
(Sound of ‘ranting’ from off stage, as Rant and Heck ‘explode’ onto stage)
Rant: (Hysterically) Us? Today? Presenting a school version of Britain’s Got Talent?
Heck: Why, yes! Oh heck! Didn’t I mention this to you?
Rant: (Exploding) Didn’t I mention this to you? Well, of course you didn’t! Do you seriously think I would have agreed?
Heck: (Spluttering) But… but…
Rant: But… but… nothing! You’ve talked me into more than enough daft situations in the past – but not today!
Heck: (Turning to Head Teacher) Oh heck! This probably isn’t what you were hoping for?
Rant: And who’s this?
Head Teacher: I’m the head teacher of …… Primary School. (Advances towards Rant with outstretched hand) So pleased to meet you! Allow me to introduce you, Rant (pointing to Rant) and you, Heck (pointing to Heck) to our audience assembled here today! You’re just in time to kick off our 2016 Leavers Assembly!
Rant: (Incredulously) Kick off? Kick off, did you say? Well, if it’s Wayne Rooney … (pauses and mutters) …hmm, make that Lionel Messi - that you want to ‘kick off’ things today – you’re out of luck!
Heck: No! No! He doesn’t need an international football star! He asked for us!
Head Teacher: But if it’s too much trouble …
Heck: Oh heck! Of course it’s not! Rant and Heck at your service!
Other Leavers Assemblies by Sue Russell:
• Olympics Leavers Assembly
• School's Out Leavers' Assembly
• It’s Good to be Me Leavers Assembly
• Leavers Assembly for Year 6s
Leavers' Assembly for Year 6s
This end of year assembly, for Year 6s, is a light-hearted romp through what they have learnt - with reference to The Big Three (Core Subjects) and not forgetting the Nine Foundation Subjects! The focus is on history (Romans through to the present day) but there are plenty of cross-curricular links along with 'mandatory' reference to Literacy and Numeracy Strategies (which ones?!) and other equally 'important' matters - such as what the dinner ladies are serving up!
Cast: Written for a year group of around 90, 3 classes - speaking parts for all, but easily adaptable to smaller year group or fewer classes.
Duration: The reading time is relatively short (around 10/15 minutes) so favourite poems or extracts from favourite stories could be added - for children to read or recite. Likewise with favourite Art and D.T. projects (evidence for which may still be at home!).
Sample Text
Shakespeare: What ho? Methinks this principal should learn a few principle facts himself! Like (embracing himself) "Some are born great, some achieve greatness" .... (pauses, pointing towards Principal) but alas "Some have greatness thrust upon them"!
Principal: (Striding towards Shakespeare) Now look here, Bill! I'm the one running this show, today. You and your plays can go ...
Music 5 Food Glorious Food - Oliver
(Loud outburst of "Food Glorious Food" sung by Oliver and boys. Shakespeare and Drake exit, holding their ears)
Principal: And who might this scruffy looking lot be? They wouldn't get into my school looking like that!
Oliver: (With bowl held out to Principal) More! Please sir, can I have some more?
Principal: (Yelling) More?!
(Principal looks inside bowl, sniffs and pulls back in disgust)
Principal: Ugh! I don't remember this being on the cafeteria menu this morning?
(Line of dinner ladies file on, each holding a different dish, and offering food to Oliver, who samples each in turn)
Production Directions
This assembly was written for a year group consisting of 3 classes (around 30 for each). Thus, there are 3 groups: Like, Dislike and Not Sure (reflecting feelings about school); these then change into the 3 core subjects; and finally the 9 foundation subjects are added. This arrangement can be changed - dividing one class into three or two classes into three.
Because of the primary focus being on history, this subject has the greatest number of speakers (52) - the other subjects just having a handful.
Other Leavers Assemblies by Sue Russell:
• Our School's Got Talent Leavers' Assembly
• Olympics Leavers Assembly
• School's Out Leavers' Assembly
• It’s Good to be Me Leavers Assembly
It's Good To Be Me Leavers Assembly
Class size - any
Duration - open ended
This leavers’ assembly can be tailored to any class or year group size; and likewise can be any length.
I have provided a 'skeleton script' of around 5 minutes actual reading time but with numerous opportunities to add on e.g. in 'Wish' and 'Achievement' sections. There are also numerous songs/music which can be included or omitted accordingly.
There is the additional fun 'option' of the schools staff 'joining in' at the end - but this is optional and can be left out.
Sample Text:
Child 1: What’s there to celebrate?
Child 2: (Holding up Numeracy exercise book) Look at my scores in Maths. Five out of ten, six out of ten, three out of ten … Why do I bother? I’ll never get Maths!
Child 3: Huh! Think that’s bad? You should see the marks I get in my spelling tests! You think you’ve got number blindness? (Child 2 nodding in agreement). Well, I’ve sure got a bad case of blindness when it comes to stringing more than two letters together!
Child 4: But at least you don’t make everybody around you wish they were deaf! (Starts singing totally off key/out of tune ‘Do Ray Me Far So La Tea Doe’ set of scales. Whole cast clasps their hands over their ears). See what I mean?
Teacher: (Uncovering ears) Hey? What? Oh, you mean your slight lack of musicality? Well, maybe there is just a little room for improvement.
Child 5: (Holding up bits of woodwork, taped together but falling apart) And what about my latest Design Technology ‘project’? I don’t think I’ll be getting the call to build the next Olympic stadium!
Teacher: (Stroking chin, reflectively) Hmm. Maybe not.
Child 6: (Holding up ‘art work’ – black dot in middle of yellow paint) And I don’t suppose I’ll be in the Tate Gallery any time soon!
Teacher: Ooh. I wouldn’t bank on it – have you been recently? ‘Anything goes’ there! I think your work would fit in perfectly!
Child 7: (Breathlessly) But what about me? I try every year to run that one minute mile – but have I got beyond one hundred metres yet? (Starts coughing and clutching his side) Not a chance!
Teacher: Enough! Enough! What is wrong with you guys?
Other Leavers Assemblies by Sue Russell:
• Leavers' Assembly for Year 6's
• Our School's Got Talent Leavers' Assembly
• Olympics Leavers Assembly
• School's Out Leavers' Assembly
Rio 2016 Olympic Ode
Suggestions on how to use
This poem is made up of three parts, taken from the three words of the Olympic Motto - Citius, Altius, Fortius:
I. Faster
II. Higher
III. Stronger
Each part is made up of six verses (with chorus to start and/or finish)
18 speakers - 1 verse each, with whole class reading the chorus.
21 speakers - 1 verse each (for 18), plus chorus at the beginning of each part
24 speakers - 1 verse each (for 18), plus chorus at the beginning and end of each part
30 speakers - As for 24 speakers but including six extra verses provided at the end of III, made up of three winners and three losers.
I. Faster
Chorus
Faster, higher, stronger,
Olympic champions, we.
Faster, higher, stronger,
That's all we want to be!
Runner 1: The training's over
We're on the track
We're primed for action
There's no looking back.
Runner 2: On your marks
Get set, go!
It's now or never
We can't be slow.
Other scripts available from Sue Russell:
ASSEMBLIES
1. Brazil Host Country to 2016 Rio Olympics
2. Olympics PRIDE Assembly (PSHE 'team spirit' script)
3. Olympic Games 2016 Leavers Assembly
4. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly - covering all 28 sports
5. History of the Olympics Assembly
6. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly: history and events - combined script including Olympic Ode
7. Olympics Assembly for Key Stage 1 Rio 2016
8. Paralympics 2016 Assembly
GUIDED READING SCRIPTS
1. A Complete History of the Olympic Games Guided Reading Scripts plus quizzes - set of 8 scripts, plus quizzes
2. Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading
QUIZ
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quiz - 100 questions and answers!
Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading Scripts 2016
This set of 5 group readers is intended to promote the concepts behind PRIDE – standing for Positive Mental Attitude, Respect, Intelligent Choices, Dreams and Effort (Education). In short, the promotion of healthy, positive self-esteem among young people, highlighting the fact that ‘being the best’ takes time, effort and all round commitment.
Also available as an Assembly or Class Play.
Extract from PRIDE Group Readers
1.POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE
Coach: You're getting there! But don't forget. It's not just about looking big on the outside. You've got to feel big on the inside, too.
Player 2: That's where your strength comes from.
Player 1: Right. I can lift weights all day long but when I get out there on court, those muscles alone aren't going to help me one bit!
Player 3: Not if you don't believe in yourself.
Player 2: Not if you don't have fire in your belly!
Dancer 1: (Squirming) Ooh! Sounds painful!
Player 3: You have to want it so bad it really does hurt!
Player 2: That's what playing is all about. Having the passion to win
Player 3: And doing your best. And that is just as important off court as on.
Fan 1: You mean (sniggering) like in the classroom as well?
Player 3: Totally! Even more so! We are all of us learning all the time - it doesn't stop when we leave school. It's what makes us what we are
Coach: And what we can become! We can all be heroes
Fan 1: Like you
Dancer 1: And you!
All: (Shouting) You just have to believe in yourself!
Other scripts available from Sue Russell:
ASSEMBLIES
1. Brazil Host Country to 2016 Rio Olympics
2. Olympics PRIDE Assembly (PSHE 'team spirit' script)
3. Olympic Games 2016 Leavers Assembly
4. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly - covering all 28 sports
5. History of the Olympics Assembly
6. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly: history and events - combined script including Olympic Ode
7. Olympics Assembly for Key Stage 1 Rio 2016
8. Paralympics 2016 Assembly
GUIDED READING SCRIPTS
1. A Complete History of the Olympic Games Guided Reading Scripts plus quizzes - set of 8 scripts, plus quizzes
2. Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading
QUIZ
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quiz - 100 questions and answers!
plus
OLYMPIC ODE
Olympic Games 2016 Leavers Assembly
A challenging one, this class play, for the school’s head teacher! It’s never going to be easy working with an English teacher (Mrs Wright) who’s always right; a Maths teacher (Mr Minus) who’s always negative; a Geography teacher (Miss Place) who is always getting lost; a History teacher (Mr Date) who is always late; and as for that Music teacher (Ms Tune) – maybe somebody could ask her to stop singing? …. Or at least do it in tune?!
And then there’s Mr Fit (P.E. teacher) who isn’t quite as tough as he looks. With insults flying, who is going to stop the staff from stealing the show?
Just as well those Year sixes are up to the task!
Written for cast of 30 but easily adjustable up (2 to 3 classes) or down – see production notes –the duration is likewise extremely flexible, depending on amount of music used - there are over 20 pieces of music to choose from. As a rough guide, the reading time is approximately 15 minutes but this does not include ‘mini presentations’ of different sports.
Script also includes Olympic Ode - performed by the children.
Sample Text:
Head Teacher: Wow! What an amazing set of Olympians!
Mr Fit: All potential medal holders!
Mr Minus: (Scowling) All right for some!
Head Teacher: What do you mean, Mr Minus, all right for some?
Mr Minus: Well, whilst I’m indoors, slaving away over long division, he (pointing to Mr Fit) is out there in the sunshine, knocking a few balls around and … well, generally having a ball!
Mrs Wright: (Bitterly) Yeah! All right for some! Whilst I’m writing away, inside, filling in all that missing punctuation, he’s out there playing games!
Miss Place: Whilst I’m finding different places on a map!
Mr Date: And I’m battling it out with the Tudors!
Other Olympic scripts by Sue Russell:
ASSEMBLIES
1. Brazil Host Country to the Olympics 2016 Assembly
2. Olympics PRIDE Assembly (PSHE 'team spirit' script)
3. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly - covering all 28 sports
4. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly including history events and ode
5. History of the Olympics Assembly
6. Olympics Assembly for Key Stage 1 Rio 2016
7. Paralympics 2016 Assembly
GUIDED READING SCRIPTS
1. A Complete History of the Olympic Games Guided Reading Scripts plus quizzes - set of 8 scripts, plus quizzes
2. Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading
QUIZ
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quiz - 100 questions and answers!
plus
OLYMPIC ODE
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly including history events and ode
This class play is a combination/condensed version of two previous scripts: History of the Olympic Games and Olympic Games 2016. Whilst its main focus is coverage of all the 2016 sporting events, there is included a list of the previous 'host nations' (but without all the accompanying information i.e. medals won and 'events' on and off the course - inclusion of all this material would have made a single script far too long). Also included is the Olympic Ode - as an optional extra. Thus, the cast can be as small as 30 or as great as 75, with a cast of 52 as another possibility - the production notes explaining these numbers fully.
The duration is from 20 minutes to at least 30 minutes - this does not include music options.
Sample Text
Child 5: Like football! Same objective but using feet instead of a stick! Oh and not forgetting that new sport – rugby sevens. New Zealand have to be the favourites having won the 2015 rugby World Cup. Course we all know how good the Brazilians are at football – oops, don’t mention the last world cup!
Narrator: But playing at home should give them ‘the edge’
Trev: Like in 1908 when Great Britain won gold! What a moment! Particularly as this was the first time football had been played at the Olympics! A debut to remember!
Narrator: (Aside) Those were the days! But hey! (Shaking himself up) Who knows? Amazing things do happen at the Olympics!
Child 6: Like that 1992 U.S. Dream Team! What a set of athletes they were – and not bad at ‘dunkin’ from what I’ve heard!
Narrator: Dunkin? You mean, Dunkin Doughnuts? (Rubbing tummy) Mmm I’ve heard they’re pretty yummy!
Child 6: (Throwing hands up in exasperation) No no! Not that kind of ‘dunkin’! Basketball dunkin is when the ball is slammed directly into the net using one or two hands.
Other scripts available from Sue Russell:
ASSEMBLIES
1. Brazil Host Country to the Olympics 2016 Assembly
2. Olympics PRIDE Assembly (PSHE 'team spirit' script)
3. Olympic Games 2016 Leavers Assembly
4. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly - covering all 28 sports
5. History of the Olympics Assembly
6. Olympics Assembly for Key Stage 1 Rio 2016
7. Paralympics 2016 Assembly
GUIDED READING SCRIPTS
1. A Complete History of the Olympic Games Guided Reading Scripts plus quizzes - set of 8 scripts, plus quizzes
2. Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading
QUIZ
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quiz - 100 questions and answers!
plus
OLYMPIC ODE
Brazil Host Country to 2016 Olympics Assembly
This class play looks at the country in which the Olympics is staged this year (plus information on the Olympics e.g. Olympic Torch journey, number of countries taking part etc)
For a history of the Olympics and coverage of sporting events, please select from one of the other scripts listed below (scroll down below sample Text)
Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down
Duration - around 10 minutes not including music suggestions
Sample Text:
Child 11: But haven’t you heard what party there’s going to be
Child 12: Starting August 5th
Child 13: And going on til August 21st?
Narrator: (Spluttering) But, but, that’s … over 2 weeks! What kind of party goes on that long?
(Cast swaps Carnival banners for Olympics banners, raising them above their heads)
Whole cast: (Shouting) The Olympics!
Music 2 Fanfare for the Common Man
Narrator: Oh my goodness! The Olympics again! It seems like only yesterday we were partying in London!
Child 14: That was for the 2012 Olympics! Proud hosts – the United Kingdom!
Child 15: But 2016 is the year for Brazil – proud hosts of the 31st Olympic Games!
Child 16: In the city of Rio de Janeiro!
Music 3 Gypsy King ‘Carnival selection’
(Whole cast grab their carnival props and raise them again)
Narrator: Wow! Summer 2016 is going to be some party! How can it not be – with the Olympics in Brazil?
(Narrator turns to Child 15)
Narrator: But what was that you said about the number of Olympic Games we’ve had so far?
Child 15: 30 so far. 2016 will be the 31st!
Child 16: The very first one was of course held in Ancient Greece.
Child 17: In the city of Olympia – birthplace of the Olympic Games!
Child 18: And that’s where the Olympic Torch started its journey on 21 April 2016
Other scripts available from Sue Russell:
ASSEMBLIES
1. Olympics PRIDE Assembly (PSHE 'team spirit' script)
2. Olympic Games 2016 Leavers Assembly
3. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly - covering all 28 sports
4. History of the Olympics Assembly
5. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly: history and events - combined script including Olympic Ode
6. Olympics Assembly for Key Stage 1 Rio 2016
7. Paralympics 2016 Assembly
GUIDED READING SCRIPTS
1. A Complete History of the Olympic Games Guided Reading Scripts plus quizzes - set of 8 scripts, plus quizzes
2. Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading
QUIZ
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quiz - 100 questions and answers!
plus
OLYMPIC ODE
Olympic Games Assembly for Key Stage I. This script covers past ‘host nations’ but is predominantly an overview of the 2016 sporting events. Cast size 30.
Olympic Games Assembly for Key Stage I Rio 2016
With coverage of all hosts nations (past and present) plus all the sports present at the Olympics, this is quite an epic - even by the Ancient Greeks' standards!
Cast of 30 - easily adapted up or down
Duration - 10 to 15 minutes
Sample Text:
Kallipateira: Huh! But I don’t see any horses! You should have seen our chariot races!
(Enter Equestrian Team)
Rider 1: Well, our horses may not race but look how well behaved they are!
Rider 2: And look how well they jump!
(Exit Equestrian Team)
Narrator: So that just leaves
(Enter Ball Games representative, carrying various balls and rackets)
Ball Games rep: The Ball Games!
Narrator: Let me help! (Reading from a list) Tennis, table tennis, volley ball, hockey, golf, rugby, football, basketball, handball and badminton!
(Exit Ball Games representative)
(Recitation of Olympic Ode Chorus)
(Enter Archery, Shooting and Fencing representative, carrying assortment of ‘equipment’)
Narrator: Wow! What are all these sports!
Archery, Shooting and Fencing rep: Archery, Shooting and Fencing!
(Exit Archery, Shooting and Fencing representative)
(Recitation of Olympic Ode Chorus)
(Enter cyclist, on bike)
Narrator: And last but by no means least!
Cyclist: Watch me cycle!
(All applaud)
(Exit cyclist)
(Enter Homer)
Homer: (Spluttering) Well!
Narrator: Not speechless again, are we, Homer?
Homer: Just a bit! I think it’s time I returned to Ancient Greece – where life was a lot simpler!
Other scripts available:
1. Brazil - Host Country to 2016 Olympics
2. Olympics PRIDE Assembly (PSHE 'team spirit' script)
3. Olympic Games 2016 Leavers Assembly
4. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly - covering all 28 sports
5. History of the Olympics Assembly
6. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly: history and events - combined script including Olympic Ode
7. Paralympics 2016 Assembly
GUIDED READING SCRIPTS
1. A Complete History of the Olympic Games Guided Reading Scripts plus quizzes - set of 8 scripts, plus quizzes
2. Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading
QUIZ
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quiz - 100 questions and answers!
plus
OLYMPIC ODE
Olympic History Class Play (one of collection of 10 scripts)
This assembly, written by Sue Russell, covers the history of the Olympics, starting with its origins in Ancient Greece. All the host nations are presented in a fun coverage of both events and stars.
Featuring the 18 countries that have so far hosted the Olympic Games, plus Brazil (2016 host), each gives a brief summary of their 'contribution' to the Games' history so far.
Sample Text:
1. Simply the Best - Tina Turner
(Children file in, waving flags triumphantly)
Coubertin: Good morning and welcome to our class play on The History of the Olympics - when nations compete against each other, in the most sporting manner.
(19 nations stand up with flags, cheering loudly)
(Zeus plus 3 Ancient Greeks stride onto stage, folding their arms in front of them, taking up an aggressive stance)
Coubertin: ‘Course, it wasn't always like that. Back in 776 BC it was only athletes from across Ancient Greece who competed.
Zeus: In my honor!
Sostratos: 5 days
Leonidas: 7 events
Kallipateira: (Scowling) And no women!
Coubertin: Ah! The good old days! When men were men, and women were women!
Kallipateira: I thought you were here to represent the Modern Olympics?
Coubertin: Indeed I am. And you're about to see just how many changes took place over the years
Zeus: Not necessarily for the better! (Looking around) I can't see any of this lot paying me homage! And what are those women doing, mingling with the men athletes?
Coubertin: (In disgust) They're competing too!
Other scripts available:
1. Brazil - Host Country to 2016 Olympics
2. Olympics PRIDE Assembly (PSHE 'team spirit' script)
3. Olympic Games 2016 Leavers Assembly
4. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly - covering all 28 sports
5. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly: history and events - combined script including Olympic Ode
6. Olympics Assembly for Key Stage 1 Rio 2016
7. Paralympics 2016 Assembly
GUIDED READING SCRIPTS
1. A Complete History of the Olympic Games Guided Reading Scripts plus quizzes - set of 8 scripts, plus quizzes
2. Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading
QUIZ
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quiz - 100 questions and answers!
plus
OLYMPIC ODE
Olympic Games 2016 Class Play - on all 28 sports! (One of 10 Olympic scripts written by Sue Russell)
Cast of 30, approximate duration: 30 minutes.
This class play on the 2016 Rio Olympic Games covers all 28 sports, identifying the challenges facing all those taking part in the Games this year. And as usual, our narrator has more than enough challenges of his own - keeping order with this very 'mixed bunch'! Citius Altius and Fortius are all admirably demonstrated - even by those winning backwards!?! Read on to find out who these unlikely champions are!
Sample Text:
Narrator: Well I do feel I’m burning up rather a large number of calories – just listening to what all these athletes have to do! Still, I guess sitting in a boat can’t be that hard!
Child 16: (Exploding) Pardon? I’d like to see you taking on them rapids!
Narrator: (Anxiously) Rapids? Whoever said anything about rapids? Not the white water variety I’m hoping?
Child 16: Oh yes! You could find yourself in some very deep water!
Narrator: Not if I have anything to do with it! I’ll be keeping my feet firmly on the ground!
Child 16: Well, we do race our canoes on still water, too. But there’s nothing still about our bodies when we’re battling to get to that finishing line first!
Child 17: And then there’s us rowers! The only guys to cross the finishing line backwards!
Narrator: Pardon?
Child 17: Yes, winning backwards is our speciality! Eight of us pulling on those oars, splashing along backwards!
Narrator: So how can you see where you’re going?
Child 17: By listening to the cox – he or she acts as our eyes and tells us which way to go!
Narrator: Quite a responsible job, I’m guessing! Keeping you on that river – and not in it!
World Cup Rugby PRIDE Assembly - written by Sue Russell aka plays-r-ussell
Cast of 25
Duration: around 15 - 20 minutes reading time not including ‘suggested’ music
This Class Play sets out to demonstrate the importance of P.R.I.D.E. - an acronym for Positive attitude; Respect for yourself and others; the ability to make Intelligent decisions; time to Dream; and not forgetting all the Effort that needs to be put in - in all walks of life.
It provides the perfect way of demonstrating what it takes to make it in life - the kind of success story all children can aspire to.
Also available as set of 5 guided reading play scripts.
(This script was originally inspired by The Celtics basketball team, in Boston - featuring 17 basketball players, 1 coach, 3 fans, 3 dancers plus mascot but I have adapted it for use by Rugby World Cup, Football World Cup and the Olympics - all available as separate scripts .. with modifications according to sport)