What’s it all about?

Refugee Week is a UK-wide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution of refugees to this country, and encourages a better understanding between communities.

Assembly ideas

Refugee Week is a great way to introduce discussions around culture and identity. Use The Lion King, the Disney film or musical, so pupils will be able to identify with the content and relate it to the discussion.

Start the assembly by introducing key words such as: refugee, exile, flee, culture, immigrant and migrants. Link these to the issues of the film. Simba, blamed for his father’s death in a disastrous wildebeest stampede caused by Scar and the hyenas, was sent to the jungle far from Pride Rock.

Ask questions such as: “What role does Scar play in The Lion King?” “What does he do to achieve his aim?” “Can you think of any people in the world who are like him?”

Get pupils to imagine they have to run away to a new country. What would be different? How would they communicate? A great way to end the assembly is to ask them how they would treat a refugee from another country. If someone felt unwanted, how would they make them feel welcome?

Help, I’ve got no time to prepare

Visit TES online for a downloadable assembly: www.tes.co.uklionking

To read and learn about the story and characters of The Lion King, visit the Disney musical website www.disney.co.ukMusicalTheatreTheLionKing.

Where do I get more information?

The Refugee Week website www.refugeeweek.org.uk has got a wealth of information on the background of refugee week and how you can get involved.