Picture News Assemblies

Picture News shares current issues with our pupils and helps to make British Values relevant and meaningful and develop links between personal, school and community values.

Autumn Term Picture News topics

How can we respond to unexpected events? 

• Two astronauts stuck on the International Space Station (IPS). The spacecraft they were due to return in had a problem, so they are now waiting for another capsule to bring them home. (UN Article 18 - Responsibility of Parents) 

How important is it to know the author behind a book?

• A new book vending machine in a school in Scotland gives pupils access to more than 70 books. The aim is to make works of writers of colour more visible and accessible in schools. (UN Article 13 - Share thoughts freely)

What impact does music have on our lives? 

• Following a 10-year campaign, music exam boards have announced they will now be including Sikh sacred music, known as Kirtan, in their syllabus. It will be examined alongside violin and percussion instruments (UN Article 30 Minority culture, language and religion).

Should everyone have the chance to be a star? 

Why is discovery so important? 

Spring Term Picture News topics

Is it our responsibility to protect local wildlife?

• Wherever you live, becoming aware of local habitats can help you understand and support the wildlife in them. 

Should you be allowed to build homes anywhere? 

• When new homes are built, things like the location and existing wildlife should be considered to ensure the best places are chosen. 

Who should be involved in key decisions in the world? 

• Our actions have a direct impact on the world around us. It is everyone's responsibility to be aware.

Do you need to be under pressure to achieve good things? 

• There will be times in our lives when we feel under pressure. It is important to learn strategies to manage it. 

Is it important to feel proud of where we come from? 

• The ‘Times’ newspaper asked young people between 18 and 27 what they thought about their lives and life in the UK.

How can we make connections with others? 

• The Princess of Wales has recently shared pictures of her children, drawn by herself. The artworks are part of the Shaping Us campaign, which highlights how we develop skills to connect with others from a young age. 

How can we support each other in keeping our school tidy? 

• The school and classrooms are part of our environment, and we need to  look after our school environment. What can we all do collectively to make sure the space in which we work is clean and tidy?

Summer Term Picture News topics​​​​​​​

Should music be part of every school day? 

• Singer, Ed Sheeran, has written a letter to the Prime Minister asking for more money to support music education in schools. 

What everyday items could be changed to help others?

• Three teenagers have created a salt-powered fridge. Their goal is to support hospitals in rural areas around the world. 

Whose job is it to keep our local places clean and tidy? 

• Huge piles of rubbish have been piling up around the city of Birmingham due to many workers choosing not to work because they feel they aren't being treated fairly.