An assembly that looks at the work of charities and the benefits of volunteering. There are some videos from ‘V’ that introduces pupils to their work.

It never fails to amaze me how much children enjoy a good murder investigation! This lesson is an introduction to how historians 'do' history. Pupils are introduced the concept of inference during the lesson. It also has a literacy twist in that after they have investigated the murder they have to write a piece of discursive writing.

Two assemblies (linked) about emotional wellbeing. Includes: An explanation of emotions and how they link to the brain An interactive game to get pupils thinking about empathy A description of Dan Siegel’s hand model Ways pupils could improve their mental wellbeing Slide notes to help with the delivery of the assembly You can adapt the assemblies to your settings. If you would like more information on emotional wellbeing CPD or further assistance then email me on dan@talkingleaders.co.uk

This assembly explains some of the neuroscience behind emotions and how these can be managed. It has lots of diagrams to help explain the brains function and a short link to a clip that uses animation to show how emotions are integrated into our thinking. Good for linking into growth mindset as the brain is a muscle and, through the application of effort, can grow and work quicker and faster.

An assembly that can be aimed at pupils from KS2 upwards. Explores the idea of friendship through real life stories and the many different ways it can manifest. Themes explored include friendship in times of extremes (POW camp), Olympic athletes and also historical using a story from ancient Greece. Links to further information, explanations and clips can be found in the note section of the slides.

A straightforward lesson using an animation (link included) to explore the key events surrounding the birth of Jesus.

A history themed set of activities that can completed with classes over the festive period. Includes: - A quiz about the traditions of Christmas - An answer sheet for teachers - A timeline task for pupils to complete in the classroom and in the computer suite I have extended this activity by: - With KS2 groups I would advise using computers to research more facts and then get groups of pupils to present a short news broadcast about different time periods, e.g. Christmas in Medieval times , Christmas in Tudor times and Christmas in Victorian times. You can then have discussions about similarities and differences between the periods. - With older KS3 groups I am getting the pupils to place lots of facts about Christmas on the timeline and then getting them to put them in groups, e.g. facts about traditions, facts about rulers and highlighting these. Then we are looking for any turning points or times of continuity through history.

A suggested structure of the lesson: Starter Display picture of fun in the Middle Ages. Pupils have to identify as many forms of entertainment as they can. Next, pupils study an image of the Feudal System and are asked to calculate the differences in classes according to the diagram. They are also asked what they can learn from this source. Main activities Think, Pair, Share – Pupils read and then shade in details about Medieval fun that looks dangerous and other activities that don’t. Emerging/Secure/Mastery choice activities – Pupils complete 2 activities (one literacy and one visual/creative) to help consolidate and show their understanding of medieval entertainment. Plenary Display the picture of fun in the Middle Ages used in the starter. Pupils have to identify as many forms of entertainment as they can. Have they discovered anymore? What activities are missing?

A short assembly that considers how children move on through transition. Easily adaptable to your setting. Includes a reference to Tony Walsh’s ‘New Beginnings’. You may need to find the Youtube clip if the link gets updated.

An assembly that looks at what rights are and the difference between a ‘want’ and a ‘need’ making reference to everyday items and the UNCRC.

7 lessons and an Assessment on the Titanic. Includes an investigation into the Edwardian class system, passengers, design of the ship and why and who was to blame for the disaster.

A cross curricular SOW I wrote for my History department which worked alongside the Drama team. The pupils loved the fact they went to both subjects and explore the same topic. I have also included the first lesson. History focused on the building of the ship and the tragic events while Drama studied the passengers and Edwardian class system.

A Geography and History themed lesson on Pompeii in which pupils use a variety of resources such as animations, information sheets and eyewitness accounts to build a picture of the Vesuvius eruption in AD79.

An assembly that explores what compassion means, and uses ideas from the bible and modern life to provide a thoughtful session for pupils to think more deeply.

An assembly based around Edith Cavell and her story during WWI. It also looks at British nurses during the Great War. There is reference to poetry. It also makes a nice change to have the focus on a woman and her heroics.

A full set of resources to deliver a half term scheme of work on the History of Fun. This is a great way to get pupils thinking about the development of themes over time. It is in chronological order and includes lessons on: - First humans - Egyptians - Greeks - Romans - Medieval - Tudors - Victorians - 20th century There is also an assessment with lessons that can be used summatively. NOTE - Some lessons (e.g. Romans and Egyptians) are sold separately by me. I put these all together with the other lessons due to a number of requests from people who wanted to buy the whole unit.

An assembly that looks at consideration of other's views with links to British Values and activities in school. It also explores the theme through Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and has a growth mindset challenge to set pupils for the week.

A document to use as an SLT to evidence your progress against the Ofsted criteria, highlight areas if strength, and areas for development. A good way to keep self evaluating is have the template as a working document that you update each term. Think about: Specific evidence (e.g. events, data highlights) instead of a narrative. Next steps could help determine your SIP

A form that can be used for SENCo’s and leaders to monitor the achievement and progress of EHCP pupils. I have used this in schools as a way of pin pointing provision for these pupils, sharing key information with teachers and ensuring the pupil is getting the relevant holistic education they need. Feel free to use or adapt as necessary.

A simple and editable action plan for school leaders to use and assess progress against, the Ofsted recommendations from the June 2021 report on sexual abuse.