The school assembly is when the kindergarten and primary school community gather together to share aspects of school life as a whole group. Assembly is an important way for our students to grow and develop into valuable members of our community. The purpose of assembly is to develop a sense of unity, develop our school values and build confidence. The physical setting of the assembly allows for all members of the school community to come together in the same place, participating in its events, with each one as an essential member of the larger group. With this sense of unity, comes a sense of belonging which can help motivate students to be responsible citizens who make positive contributions to their community. There are many moments throughout the assembly where our school values are present and on display, through class presentations, celebrations of student achievements and acknowledgements of birthdays. The most significant being the celebrations of student achievements by awarding students of their demonstrations of the learner profile attributes. During this moment, teachers describe how the student has demonstrated one of the learner attributes, awarding them with a certificate, and everyone applauding in recognition. This is one of the proudest moments which reinforces what is expected from our students and influences others to strive for the same behaviours and attitudes.
The main event of the assembly is the class presentations. Each week, two classes present and share their learning with the whole group. Students are active participants in the planning, preparation, and the presenting of their work. They learn to develop their confidence. Confidence in themselves, their speaking skills and in sharing their thoughts and ideas with a large group. Many presentations also involve the arts including singing, dancing and acting, which also develops their performance skills.
Many of the benefits of assembly can only be fully achieved with an in-person event. For this reason, it has been greatly missed during the pandemic, even though we were able to continue part of the practice in an online format. This year we have thankfully been able to return to our weekly in-person assemblies. We have already seen many fantastic presentations that teachers have prepared with dedication, students have participated with enthusiasm and parents have spectated with pride. Our Kindergarten classes have shared their learning about class agreements, what makes a good friend, and healthy habits with each including a song related to the theme. Our youngest students have quickly learned how to participate in assembly, already showing confidence and enthusiasm to present. Our Year 1 classes have presented their learning about the weather by acting out a weather report representing various locations around the world. Our Year 2 class created and acted out a short play that represented the process of vegetables from plant to table. Our Years 3, 4 and 5 classes have presented informative posters based on themes of the earth, sun and sky; migration; and the human body. Our older students are very confident with the microphone, wanting to share their new knowledge and interesting facts. We have also had additional music presentations, where the music teachers have showcased how they also work within the transdisciplinary themes. We look forward to a year full of community building assemblies that strengthen and showcase the work of teaching and learning, as an integral part of our school’s daily practice.
Hayley Waghorn, Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator at SIS Brasília
