Assemblies

April 2024 - A Deal's Deal - By Stephanie Blake

When two friends decide to make a trade the children were encouraged to talk about ‘Is it fair?’ and if not what should we do about it?

April 2024 - Two for you, One for you by Jorg Muhle

This half term we are celebrating our school value of fairness. Our story has been One For Me, Two For You by Jorg Muhle. Bear finds three tasty mushrooms on her way home through the woods. Her friend Weasel cooks them up in the frying pan. But the friends have a problem: how to share three between two? Bear and Weasel each come up with one argument after another for why they should have more: I found them! I cooked them. With my recipe! I like mushrooms more than you. I’m bigger. I’m still growing... Until the fox comes around the corner and snatches a mushroom. The story gave rise to lots of interesting discussions and ideas!

March 2024 - The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter

This week we have shared the inspirational story of Alia Muhammad Baker who is the librarian in Basra, Iraq.  In the face of war she bravely fought to save her community’s priceless collection of books. She embodies many of our school values and so we enjoyed reading her story in the book, The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter.

March 2024 - The Dot by Peter Reynolds

In our assemblies this week we have shared the story The Dot by Peter Reynolds. Vashti says she cannot draw but with the encouragement of her teacher and a lot of perseverance she discovers that may be she can… This is an inspiring story of success and encouragement.

March 2024 - Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andrae and Guy Parker–Rees

Everyone knows that giraffes can’t dance…..or can they?

This is the story of Gerald who doesn’t give up and who learns some self-confidence and some fabulous dance moves!

March 2024 - Splash of Red by Jen Bryant

This is the inspiring story of the artist Horace Pippin.  Horace was a self-taught artist who persevered and turned memories, everyday surroundings and harsh struggles into beautiful art.  His art is now displayed in museums and galleries around the world.

March 2024 - Issy Gizmo by Pip Jones

Izabelle Gizmo loves to invent things but her inventions never seem to work the way she wants them to!

When she finds a crow with a broken wing she knows she has to help. But will she be able to put her frustrations to one side, persevere and help her new friend to fly again?

March 2024 - Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly

The book brings the incredibly inspiring true story of four black women who helped NASA launch men into space. Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at maths…really good. They participated in some of NASA's greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America's first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world

February 2024 - Bears Don’t Read by Emma Chichester Clarke

George isn't happy doing the usual bear things like chatting and fishing. But what else is there? Then one day, he finds a book beneath a tree and knows… More than anything he wants to learn to read!

But, arriving in town, George soon discovers that it's not easy to be a bear at school! If only he could find someone to teach him the alphabet and change his life forever… This is a story of friendship and perseverance.

February 2024 - The Life Story of the Artist Andy Warhol

Despite childhood illness and a battle with shyness he persevered with his dream of becoming an artist. He showed the world that the ordinary objects could POP, and founded a cultural movement, becoming one of the most famous artists of the 20th Century.

February 2024 - The Barnabus Project by The Fan Brothers

Barnabus is a half mouse half elephant.  In a perfect world of pets Barnabus does not fit in and is kept out of sight.  One day his dreams of freedom lead him and his misfit friends on a perilous adventure. We shared this story to think about our value of collaboration but led us to also consider our values of perseverance, kindness and courage.

January 2024 - The Can Caravan by Richard O’Neill

When Janie’s neighbour Mrs Tolen goes into hospital with a broken hip, it looks as though she will have to move out of her old caravan and into a house. Janie is desperate to help, but all seems lost until her school visits a local recycling plant. All it takes from there is imagination, a supportive community, and lots and lots of hard work to transform Mrs Tolen’s old caravan into a safe and secure new home! Romani storyteller Richard O’Neill celebrates the traditional Traveller virtues of resilience, adaptability, loyalty and independence.

January 2024 - Clean Up by Nathan Bryon

When Rocket goes on holiday to visit her grandparents, she's shocked by the pollution that's spoiling their island home and putting the local sea life at risk. Can she think of a way to save the day? This heart warming story that aims to empower and educate readers.

January 2024 - The Squirrels Who Squabbled by Rachel Bright

After a frantic dash to retrieve the ‘last nut of the season’ the two squirrels learn that working together and collaborating is the best way to save themselves!

January 2024 - Five Bears by Catherine Rayner

This week we have been introducing children to the new value for this half term – collaboration. To explore the theme we read Five Bears by Catherine Rayner. The story follows a group of bears who become friends who go on to work collaboratively to help a fellow bear.

December 2023 - Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour & D Egneus

Year 5 and 6 read Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egneus. In an unforgettable story that subtly addresses the refugee crisis, a young girl must decide if friendship means giving up the one item that brings her comfort during a time of utter uncertainty. Lubna's best friend is a pebble. Pebble always listens to her stories. Pebble always smiles when she feels scared. But when a lost little boy arrives in the World of Tents, Lubna realizes that he needs Pebble even more than she does. This book explores one girl's powerful act of friendship in the midst of an unknown situation.

December 2023 - Cyril and Pat by Emily Gravett

Cyril is the only squirrel in Lake Park, and he's very lonely. Until one day he meets Pat – Pat the big, grey . . . other squirrel. Cyril and Pat have lots of adventures and fun together and Cyril is so pleased he's made a friend. But everyone says that Cyril and Pat simply cannot be friends, and they soon reveal why: Pat, is actually a RAT! But Cyril's life turns out to be a lot duller and quite a bit scarier without Pat by his side, and in the end the two friends learn that some things are more important than being the same, or listening to others.

December 2023 - How to Be a Lion by Ed Vere

This inspiring and adorable picture book is about a pair of unlikely friends who face down a pack of bullies. It shows the importance of being true to yourself, mindfulness, and standing by your friends, we meet Leonard, a lion, and his best friend Marianne, a . . . duck.

December 2023 - Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson

A giant, George, who runs in to a number of animals who desperately need his help. George does not let them down and at the end is recognised for being the kindest giant in town!

November 2023 - The Kindest Red by Ibtihaj Muhammad

 In the story Faizah's teacher asks her class to imagine what kind of world they want to live in. Faizah imagines a world where everyone is kind to one another, and tries to create that world in the school playground. But what Faizah wants most is to be like her big sister, Asiya. Faizah's classmates repay her kindness and find a way for her to match Asiya on her school photo day. 

November 2023 - Ned and the Great Hamster Garden Race!

Ned the hamster has been in training for the Great Garden Hamster Race but when race day arrives, the route is cluttered with animals in need of help. Ned learns that a few small acts of kindness are more important than winning at any cost.

November 2023 - The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

Continuing our work on our value of kindness, in assemblies this week we have been sharing The Rainbow fish by Marcus Pfister.

The story tells how a beautiful fish learns to be kind and share and in doing so he makes a lot of new friends.

October 2023 - The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad

This is an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond shared by siblings and of being proud of who you are, from Olympic medallist Ibtihaj Muhammad. In the story, with amazing artwork, it’s Faizah’s first day of school, and her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab – made of a beautiful blue fabric.

October 2023 - Geoffrey Gets the Jitters by Nadia Shireen

This story gave us some ideas about how we can manage feelings and get on top of our jitters!

October 2023 - Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

This week we have been continuing with our theme of courage by sharing the book Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall.
We have all really enjoyed this story ,thinking about how we would feel if we were Jabari and jumped from a very high diving board!

We agreed that sometimes we need to show courage and determination

to conquer our fears !

September 2023 - The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright

Kevin is a koala who likes to keep things the same. But sometimes change comes along whether we like it or not. As Kevin discovers, if you step outside your comfort zone and try new things, you might just surprise yourself! 

September 2023 - A Little Bit Brave by Nicola Kinnear

In the story, Logan discovers that there is a whole world of adventure if only he can pluck up the courage to be a little bit brave

The story encouraged the children to reflect on a time when they had shown courage and to consider how rewarding this can be.

September 2023 - Max the Brave by Ed Vere

This is the story of the kitten, Max gave us a fun example of conquering fears and being brave.

April 2023 - One World by Michael Foreman

The story tells of a brother and sister who spend their day playing on the beach by a rock pool. They create their own tiny marine world in a bucket and, with its wildlife, shells, oil and even a tin can, it is a microcosm of the larger world outside.
We discussed pollution and the environment and talked about the recent litter picking we have be doing to improve our local area.

March 2023 - Meesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival

In Year 5 In Years 1 to 4 this week we have shared the story Meesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival.

This is a super story that looks at the joys and difficulties of making and keeping friends, relating to others, and finding your place in the world.

March 2023 - The Can Caravan by Robert O'Neill

In Year 5 and 6 Year 5 and 6 we have shared the story The Can Caravan by Robert O’Neill and illustrated by Cindy Kang.

This engaging story is about a young girl’s efforts to help a member of her Romani community. It celebrates the traditional Traveller virtues of resilience, adaptability, loyalty and independence. 

February 2023 - The Grumpy Fairies by Bethan Stevens

 This week we have been exploring our feelings through the story The Grumpy Fairies by Bethan Stevens.

Despite it’s title the story made us smile and helped us to share ideas about how we can work together and help each other 

January 2023 - Mrs Noah’s Pockets by Jackie Norris and James Mayhew

This week in assembly Years 1 to 5 have shared the story of Mrs Noah’s Pockets by Jackie Norris and James Mayhew.

The story tells of the ‘troublesome creatures’ Mr Noah plans to leave behind and how Mrs Noah makes a plan to save them.  We thought about how the world is made up of so many different people and creatures but how they are all valuable.

January 2023 - We explored the amazing life of Hedy Lamarr.

This week Year 6 have continued to share real life stories.  We explored the amazing life of Hedy Lamarr.

Electronics, chemistry, engineering – whatever Hedy put her mind to, she came up with ingenious inventions, blazing a trail for women in science and making great strides towards science. As well as a glittering film career, in the 1940s Hedy developed technology that formed the basis of the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth we all enjoy today. 

January 2023 - In our Hands by Lucy Farfort

This week our assembly story was In Our Hands by Lucy Farfort.  This is a story about working together to nurture hope and possibility. 

We have discussed our world, climate change and looking after each other in different ways.

January 2023 - Ravi's Roar by Tom Percival

Reception to Year 4 have enjoyed this story. Ravi learns that being a tiger is great fun at first - tigers can do ANYTHING they want! But who wants to play with a growling, roaring, noisy, wild tiger who won't share or play nicely? Ravi discovers something very important about expressing his feelings and making amends.

January 2023 - The Life story of Sir David Attenborough

Year 5 have read the life story of Sir David Attenborough. This led to a fantastic discussion about his achievements. Children then went on to thinking about their own future careers.

January 2023 - The Life of Emmeline Pankhurst

 Year 6 read about the life of Emmeline Pankhurst. We made links to other activists we have read about and the struggles they have had to improve people’s lives. We also talked about suffragettes and the impact they had on women in the early 20th century and still today. 

November 2022 - Something Else by Katheryn Cave and Chris Riddell

This week, as part of Anti Bullying week, in assemblies we have read – Something Else by Katheryn Cave and Chris Riddell.This is a heart-warming story, about a small creature who does his best to join in with the others. But he's different. No matter how he tries, he just doesn't belong. Then Something turns up and wants to be friends. But Something Else isn't sure he's like him at all. Something Else suddenly realizes that he acts like all the other people who always sent him away. Eventually Something Else and Something become best friends.

November 2022 - Iggy Peck Architect

This week we have shared a story from The Questioneers series of books: Iggy Peck Architect by Andrea Beaty. This funny story follows Iggy’s quest to follow his dreams and change his teacher’s view of architecture.

We have had some great discussions about future careers, what it means to be an architect and the variety of buildings around London and the world!

3rd - 7th October 2022

This week Year 1 shared The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr.  Year 2 shared Lights on Cotton Rock by David Litchfield. Year 3 shared The Whale Who Wanted More.  This story prompted lots of fantastic debate about the species of whale in the story.  Thank you to Reis, Alex, Doran and Jayden who did some fantastic research and identified the whale!  Year 4 shared The Dragon Machine by Helen Ward and Years 5 and 6 shared the biography of Muhammad Ali.

14th September 2022 - Malala's Magic Pencil

In assembly this week Years 3,4,5 & 6 have shared the book Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai. As a child in Pakistan, Malala made a wish for a magic pencil that she could use to redraw reality. She would use it for good; to give gifts to her family, to erase the smell from the rubbish dump near her house. (And to sleep an extra hour in the morning.) As she grew older, Malala wished for bigger and bigger things. She saw a world that needed fixing. And even if she never found a magic pencil, Malala realized that she could still work hard every day to make her wishes come true. This picture book tells Malala's story, in her own words, for a shows them the worldview that allowed her to hold on to hope and to make her voice heard even in the most difficult of times.

20th June 2022 - Last - Nicola Davies

This week in assembly we have been reading a touching story about a rhinoceros who remembers his life before grey captivity, one full of colour, with familiar smells and sights. He thinks of his mother being killed by poachers. He has searched the zoo but cannot find another like him. He fears he is the last. He describes a joyless life for all the animals with him, before being rescued and brought back home. The colour is brought back into his life when he realises he is not the last.

13th June 2022 - Barbara throws a Wobbler - Nadia Shireen

This week is National Empathy Week and to recognize it we have shared the story Barbara Throws a Wobbler by  Nadia Shireen. This is the fantastic story of Barbara who is in a very bad mood. She won't admit it, but she is. She has a problem with a sock, and at lunchtime there's a strange pea... And even though she's at the park with her friends, it all just gets a bit much. Suddenly Barbara's WOBBLER is out of control!
Happily Barbara and her Wobbler work together and she finds a way to be cheerful again. The children loved discussing this story and were brilliant at recognising bad moods and ways to deal with them.

6th June 2022 -The Lost Homework -Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month

In the Lost Homework, Sonny devotes his weekend to helping his neighbours and fellow Travellers with a variety of tasks. He uses many skills, from calculating the amount of fuel needed for a journey, to restoring a caravan. In fact, the only thing he doesn’t do over the weekend is his homework – his workbook is missing! What will his teacher say? This picture book champions the idea that many skills learned at home are as important as those learned at school.

6th June 2022 - Ossiri and the Bala Mengro 

 In this book a Traveller girl creates her own musical instrument from a willow branch and lots of recycled objects. She plays it enthusiastically, but it sounds terrible! Ignoring warnings not to awaken the ogre in the hills, Ossiri goes there to practise playing her instrument. Will she wake the ogre, and will it appreciate her playing? Told by a Romani storyteller and a picture book author, this original tale offers a fascinating insight into Travelling lifestyles and cultures. 

25th May 2022 - Mama Miti - Africa Day

This week in assembly we have been reading Mama Miti by Donna Jo Napoli. This beautiful book tells the true story of Wangari Muta Maathai, known as “Mama Miti,” who in 1977 founded the Green Belt Movement, an African grassroots organization that has empowered many people to combat deforestation, soil erosion, and environmental damage. Today, more than 30 million trees have been planted throughout Mama Miti’s native Kenya, and in 2004 she became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Wangari Muta Maathai has changed Kenya tree by tree.

21st May 2022- Under the Great Plum Tree- World Day for Cultural Diversity 

This week our assembly book has been Under the Great Plum Tree by Sufiya Ahmed and Reza Dalvand. The story of the monkey and the crocodile is a fable from the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of animal fables dated to 300 BCE.  In this retelling an unlikely friendship between Miss Bandari and Mr Magarmach forms when the pair meet under the great plum tree, deep in the heart of India. One day their friendship is tested but with courage, trust and forgiveness they discover that living happily together tastes just as sweet as Miss Bandari’s golden plums.

2nd May 2022- David Attenborough's Birthday- Little People, Big Dreams

 This week in our year group assemblies we have been reading “David Attenborough” from the wonderful and inspiring Little People, Big Dreams series. Little David grew up in Leicester on the campus of a university, where his father was a professor. As a child, he spent hours in the science library, collating his own specimens and creating a mini animal museum. When he was old enough to go to university, he studied science and zoology – but what he wanted most of all was to be close to the animals he was studying.
So, he started working in television, visiting animals in their natural habitats and telling the world the untold stories of these animals. Little David went on to become one of the most celebrated environmentalists on the planet, teaching generation after generation about the importance of the natural world. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about Sir David Attenborough who will be 96 years old on the 8th May 2022. See if your children can remember any interesting facts about him! 

International Day of Dance- 29th April - Jazz age Josephine 

This week our assembly book has recognized International Dance Day which falls on 29th April.  To mark this day we have shared Jazz Age Josephine by Jonah Winter. The story tells how Josephine Baker rose from a poor, segregated upbringing but was able to break through racial barriers with her own sense of flair and astonishing dance abilities. She was an amazing lady with a heart of gold--all wrapped up in feathers, sequins, and an infectious rhythm.

Earth Day - 22nd April- Dear Earth 

This week in year group assemblies we have been thinking about “Earth Day- Friday 22nd April”. We shared a book called Dear Earth written by Isabel Otter and illustrated by Clara Anganuzzi. When Tessa writes a love letter to the Earth, it's the beginning of a glorious adventure. She blows bubbles with whales, soars with birds and joins in with the noisy rainforest hullabaloo! Tessa wants everyone to know how special our planet is. She believes that there is a chance to save the Earth if enough of us share the message...

We also looked at some shocking facts about disposable plastic. Did you know that an estimated 583 billion plastic bottles were produced in 2021? Did you know that this year five trillion plastic bags will be used?

World Wildlife Day- 3rd March 2022 - Joan Proctor, Dragon Doctor

Back in the days of long skirts and afternoon teas, young Joan Procter entertained the most unusual party guests: slithery and scaly ones, who turned over teacups and crawled past the crumpets.... While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favourite lizard with her everywhere--she even brought a crocodile to school!

When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumoured-to-be-vicious Komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children's tea parties--with her Komodo dragon as the guest of honour.

International Day for Persons with Disabilities- 3rd December 2021 - Emmanuel's Dream

This week during assemblies we read Emmanuel’s Dream which tells us the inspiring true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah. Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled.This week during assemblies we read Emmanuel’s Dream which tells us the inspiring true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah. Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled.

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery - 2nd December - Henrys Freedom Box

This week in assemblies we read a true story about a slave who mailed himself to freedom on the Underground Railroad in the United States in 1849. The book is written by Ellen Levine and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Henry Brown doesn't know how old he is. Nobody keeps records of slaves' birthdays. He dreams about freedom, but that dream seems farther away than ever when he is torn from his family and put to work in a warehouse. Henry grows up and marries, but he is again devastated when his family is sold at the slave market. Then one day, as he lifts a crate at the warehouse, he knows exactly what he must do: he will mail himself to the North. After an arduous journey in the crate, Henry finally has a birthday -- his first day of freedom.

Universal Children's Day - 20th November 2021 - Sulwe

This week in assembly our story has been Sulwie by Lupita Nyong.  This is the story of a young girl who goes on a magical journey, grows in self-esteem and learns that true beauty comes from within.

Anti Bullying Week - 15th November 2021 - Troll stinks

In our assemblies this week we have been following the theme of Anti  Bullying Week. We have shared the story Troll Stinks by Jeanne Willis and  Tony Ross. The story explores the theme of online bullying ‘trolling’, being responsible for  your actions and the impact they can have on others.

11th November 2021 - Remembrance Day Assemblies

 Year 5 and 6 read Walter Tull’s Scrapbook by Michaela Morgan- an amazing and informative book about a star footballer who they say was the first black British professional outfield player for Tottenham Hotspurs and in 1916 became the first black officer in the British Army. Sadly, he died during battle in 1918.  

Year 2 and 4 read One Boy’s War, by Lynn Huggins- Cooper and Ian Benfold Haywood, which portrayed a fascinating insight into life at war.  

 Year 3 read Where the Poppies Now Grow by Hilary Robinson and Martin Impey all about two friends who survived the war together. 

Thursday 4th November 2021 - World Science Day

In assembly for Years 2 to 6 we have found out about Dr Patricia Bath. Against the obstacles of racism, sexism and poverty she succeeded in becoming an inspirational eye doctor who went on to find a way to use lasers to cure cataracts.

In Year 1 assembly we shared the story That rabbit belongs to Emily Brown by Cressida Cowell.  The children enjoyed imagining what they would do in Emily’s shoes – what would you do if the Queen demands your precious toy rabbit?  It made for some lively and imaginative debate! 

Thursday 14th October - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

This week our year group assemblies have recognized the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. We have shared the story The Invisible by Tom Percival. The story is about a young girl called Isabelle who, when her family fall on hard times, decides that she will make a difference. It is the story of those who are overlooked in our society - who are made to feel invisible - and why everyone has a place here. We all belong.

Thursday 30th September - National Space Week & National Poetry Week

This week we have explored two events in assembly. The first was National Space week whose theme this year is Women In Space. To reflect this we shared the story Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed. The book explores the incredible story of real life astronaut Mae Jemison who was the first African American woman in space. Judging by the children's reaction she has inspired a future generation of budding astronauts! Our second event was marking National Poetry Day which fell on Thursday this week. We shared the book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman: Change Sings, a child's anthem. This is a beautiful and moving poem reflecting how we have the power to make changes - big or small - in the world, in our communities and, most importantly, in ourselves. I also shared with Year 6 a poem by Karl Nova from his book Rhythm and Poetry. The poem Poetry?​ demonstrates how rap can be one of the highest forms of poetry and is the voice of a generation.

26th September - European Day of Languages

Our assembly book this week has been the Latvian story: One House for All by Inese Zandere. We talked about how the book had been translated and this led us into a discussion about languages. The children were amazed to discover that there are over 200 European languages and that at Lionel our families speak 57 different languages!