SPCK Assemblies are perfect for teachers on World Teachers' Day

October 5, 2018 Snehal Chavan

SPCK Assemblies are a great resource for teachers to use with their students.

We chatted with Rebecca Parkinson about the assemblies she's been working on.

1. How can teachers use assemblies with their students?

A great assembly should be exciting, lively and relevant to the students. Most assemblies are led by a teacher but they should always encourage student involvement in some way. Other assemblies may be led by students or class groups. Examples of different types of assembly can be found on the assemblies site along with advice for users of the site here.

2. What should teachers look for when selecting an assembly?

It is vital that an assembly engages the students and captures their interests. Preparation is key to effective assemblies. There are many things to consider including subject matter, faith issues, type of school, age appropriateness, inclusion, presentation, space available, and use of drama, music or games. The aim is to present something to the students that will engage, encourage, challenge and inspire them. An essential part of any assembly is a time of reflection, which allows students to pause to consider the content of the assembly and how this might impact their lives.

3. What has been your favourite assembly you’ve worked on this year?

There are lots of great assemblies on the site and it is difficult to pick a favourite! However the most popular primary assemblies this year have included the titles ‘A Clean Slate’ (August list) and ‘Referee’ (June list). The most popular secondary assemblies have been ‘Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’ (May list) and ‘That New Exercise Book Feeling’ (September list). Each month we analyse statistics from the site looking at the subjects/words which are most searched for. We then use this information to help commission assemblies for the following year.

The Rapid Response assemblies dealing with current events as soon as they occur are always popular. This year Rapid Responses to the Royal Wedding and the World Cup were particularly well received.

4. How do you see the SPCK Assemblies evolving in the future?

We are always on the lookout for new writers who can bring fresh ideas and give a new perspective to well–known subjects. We love to work with them to produce high quality assemblies which meet the needs of the users. In the coming year we are particularly pleased to be teaming up with some well known charities to produce assemblies together. We are also working to enhance the music ideas presented in many assemblies and have a number of musicians helping us in this. Another recent addition to the site, which we would like to develop, is to work more closely with authors of children’s books. SPCK recently began to publish a children’s list. Many of the books being produced lend themselves towards the values expressed on the Assemblies Site, so this is a great opportunity to work together.