Assemblies are an important element in the busy school day. They provide a chance to be together, to celebrate achievement, and time for ethical and spiritual reflection on big issues and personal responsibility. But assemblies can also be a headache for the busy teacher or assembly leader – sometimes those big questions can seem just too daunting to tackle in an appropriate way for the diverse young minds of the school community.

Help is at hand in Primary School Assemblies for a Just World, which provides a rich variety of assembly material that explores and explains global development issues for primary school children. Using true stories and personal testimony to engage the children’s interest, the assemblies include activities, games and drama to open up the issues in an age-appropriate way. They conclude with a reflection and a prayer to help children relate development issues to their own lives, bridging the gaps of distance and culture to unite the human family.

Each of the 30 assemblies is accompanied by a range of possible classroom activities that tie in to National Curriculum subjects, such as PSE, Citizenship, RE and Maths.

This user-friendly book includes clear, informal instructions and advice, plus photocopiable worksheets when appropriate. The material is presented in a step-by-step fashion with an emphasis on ‘pick-up-and-use’ and adaptability to personal style and circumstance. This is an ideal resource for teachers and all those who lead primary school assemblies and collective worship.