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Assembly idea: Local and global news
A regular assembly slot for local and global news provides an opportunity
to present important issues to pupils in a clear way, and allows
updating of ongoing issues. It also enables pupils to be involved
during assembly in contributing relevant newspaper or Internet articles
for inclusion. Topics for such news assemblies will obviously depend
on what happens, but they might include the following:
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A local issue which has caused disagreement
- for instance, a new bypass, a new shopping development,
the housing of asylum
seekers locally, or the arrival of a community of travellers.
Outline the arguments that have been given for and against
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discuss these in terms of which are fact and which opinion.
Ensure that there is a balance of views and that prejudices
are not fuelled. Ask the pupils what they think, why, and whether
these views are fact or opinion. (This could be followed up
in class by asking pupils to role-play a dispute, with the
rest of the class required to discuss each situation and suggest
possible solutions.)
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A local or national injustice to people, animals
or property - for example, damage to the school or local area,
hurtful graffiti,
cruelty to animals, a mugging incident, or even a murder. Explain
the circumstances to the pupils and encourage them to think
of ways in which such injustices can be prevented in the future.
A current world crisis such as a war or natural
disaster. Explain the reasons for different situations and
focus on ways for pupils
to do something positive in response. Encourage pupils to find
out more about the issues. Ask them to look into the role
of
aid agencies and other bodies in relief work. This may lead
to pupils supporting a campaign or local charity shop by donating
goods or holding a sale. (Clearly, there are some issues here
about raising money for charity, such as where it goes and
how
effective it is, and whether parents feel able to contribute.
However, certainly through the right channels, money can help
to alleviate suffering.)
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An annual or regular event such as the Nobel Peace Prize awards
or the publication of an influential report like UNICEF's The
State of the World's Children. This contains statistics
on health and poverty worldwide. As with the last suggestion,
it is important to give background and context to such work.
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