Assemblies at Greenshaw High School are one of the few opportunities for all members of a year group to gather together on a regular basis. Assemblies are a space in which important announcements can be shared, and the school can communicate key social, moral, spiritual and cultural concepts (SMSC) that create and foster a strong and united community.

Current law requires all state-funded schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to hold daily acts of ‘Collective Worship’. As a school with no formal religious character, this worship must be ‘wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character’. However, we have a diverse student population in regard to faith, so we have drawn upon the main tenets of Christianity to create inclusive themes that are relevant to members of Greenshaw High School, regardless of their religious belief.

The majority of our assembly themes will work on a two-year rotation, to ensure that we cover a wide range of social, moral, spiritual and cultural concepts. The exceptions to this are Black History Month, International Women's Day, Pride Month, Remembrance and Holocaust Memorial Day. These are themes we have chosen to focus on every year because of their national prominence, and they support our drive to tackle prejudice and discrimination in all their forms.

Theme of the week

Following assemblies, students undertake a reflection task followed by a discussion in an afternoon tutor time, delivered by form tutors. These tasks deepen students' understanding of each assembly theme and content and give time for students to consider how their skills and qualities can be used to make a positive difference to the school and the wider community. 

Aims of our assemblies 

• To provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their place within the world and how their ability to change society.
• To encourage students to respect others, our school community and the wider world.
• To teach students how to determine right from wrong.
• To teach students to appreciate their own cultural and religious traditions and the diversity and richness of other cultures and religions.
• To inspire our students to become responsible, moral and respectful members of society.

Assembly planning 2024-25

	1	2	3	PM  registration slot
Sep/Oct	5th September Introduction to year	9th September Summer reflection	7th October EDI Team/ BHM
Nov/Dec	11th November Anti bullying week PSHE	25th November EDI Team Disability awareness month	9th December Christmas	Monday 11th November PM registration Remembrance
				Monday 18th PM registration  UK Parliament Week
Jan/Feb	7th January Expectations	13th January House system	27th January Safer Internet Day	Monday 27th January PM registration Holocaust Memorial Day
Feb/Mar	3rd March Equality/women	17th March Social science
Apr/May	22nd April Expectations	12th May Mental health awareness
Jun/Jul	2nd June World Ocean Day	16th June EDI Team South Asian Heritage Month	14th July Head of Year	Monday 9th June PM registration  World Pride Day