Assemblies
Multi faith, inclusive participation
Assembly is held for the whole school community three times each week, with additional smaller weekly assemblies for year groups and the Lower School. There is also a whole-school singing practice.
Assembly is led by the Head, the Deputy Head, Senior staff, visiting speakers often from different faith backgrounds and the children themselves. It always includes a hymn and a prayer (usually to "God", to help children of all faiths to feel included).There will then be a story told or read, or a discussion, or a presentation on something of current or seasonal interest to the children. Children are fully involved, answering questions or volunteering to come out and help. Some adult-led assemblies have included a Remembrance Service, Coastguards as an emergency service, celebrations of various Saints' days, Diwali, Chinese New Year, Book Week, caring for the environment, "Standing on the shoulders of Giants" (printed around the rim of old £2 pound coins), Aesop's Fables, Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, and "a note of music"- a £20 note.
Children of all ages regularly lead assemblies and share with the school something they have prepared in their lessons. These assemblies could include drama, dancing, singing and art; the children write their own prayers. Additionally there is a child-led Harvest Assembly and gym, dance and music assemblies.