At Penwortham Primary School, assemblies play a central role in promoting pupils’ personal development, wellbeing, values, and understanding of the wider world. They support our commitment to developing confident, reflective learners who are well prepared for life in modern Britain.
Assemblies are carefully planned to complement the curriculum and enrich pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, in line with the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework.
Values Assemblies
Our school values underpin all aspects of school life and are explicitly taught through our assembly programme.
Each half term, a new value is launched through a whole-school assembly attended by all staff, ensuring a consistent and shared approach across the school. Values are then revisited and explored further through follow-up assemblies, class discussions, and learning opportunities.
Assemblies encourage pupils to reflect on their own behaviour, attitudes, and choices, helping them to develop self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and respect for others.
Reading Assembly
Reading assemblies promote a love of reading and support pupils’ language development, imagination, and cultural capital.
Through shared stories, book recommendations, and discussions, pupils are encouraged to engage with a wide range of texts and authors. These assemblies help pupils understand the importance of reading for enjoyment, learning, and future success, while reinforcing positive reading habits across the school.
Music and Singing Assembly
Our music and singing assemblies provide pupils with regular opportunities to sing together, perform, and appreciate a wide range of musical styles.
These assemblies support pupils’ confidence, self-expression, and sense of belonging, while contributing to their cultural understanding. Singing together strengthens the school community and promotes wellbeing, enjoyment, and shared achievement.
OPAL Assembly
OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) assemblies support pupils’ physical development, social skills, and wellbeing.
Through these assemblies, pupils learn about:
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positive play behaviours
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cooperation and problem-solving
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taking responsibility and managing risk safely
OPAL assemblies reinforce the value of outdoor learning and play as an important part of pupils’ overall development and wellbeing.
Understanding the World
Weekly assemblies help pupils develop an understanding of diversity, culture, faiths, and current events.
Through Around the World assemblies and the use of Picture News, pupils explore:
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religious festivals and celebrations
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local, national, and global events
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similarities and differences between people and cultures
These assemblies promote respectful discussion, critical thinking, and meaningful links to our school values. Weekly discussion materials are shared with families to support reflection and strengthen home–school partnerships.
Celebration Assemblies
Celebration assemblies recognise pupils who demonstrate commitment, effort, and positive attitudes to learning.
Our weekly Celebrations’ Assembly highlights achievements linked to learning, behaviour, and school values, promoting motivation and pride in success.
At the end of each term, a special celebration assembly recognises pupils through awards linked to our core values:
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Aspire Award
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Belong Award
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Care Award
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Discover Award
These celebrations contribute to a positive school culture and reinforce high expectations.
Wider Opportunities
Assemblies also support whole-school focus weeks such as:
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Anti-Bullying Week
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Mental Health Awareness Week
These themes are explored through assemblies, classroom activities, and pupil voice initiatives, ensuring pupils develop a strong understanding of wellbeing, respect, and inclusion.
