November Assemblies (UK)

Facing History Approach to Assemblies

Assemblies are a critical part of the school day. Regular assemblies provide an opportunity to bring your students together in order to introduce important issues and share your school’s values and priorities. Utilised correctly, assemblies have the potential to build an inclusive and supportive school community.   

At Facing History, our assemblies have been designed to introduce students to significant annual and/or historical events, whilst supporting them to become empathetic and critical thinkers. Each assembly also provides students with opportunities to share their thoughts with each other, helping them to develop oracy and listening skills. The assemblies last for approximately 20 minutes, but can be adapted to suit your specific timing requirements. 

Facing History assemblies do not require specialist knowledge and are suitable for use in a S1-S4 or KS3-KS4 assembly or in tutor time/PSHE. Some assemblies have been adapted from existing Facing History lessons and resources available on our website, while others have been newly created. 

Assemblies in November

There are five assemblies available for use in November. 

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day takes place on 11 November and is an opportunity for young people to consider what remembrance means and why we dedicate a day to it. During this assembly, young people are encouraged to think about the significance of symbols associated with remembrance and will also have the opportunity to learn about Allan Wilmot, a British-Caribbean World War Two veteran. They are also asked to consider why it’s important that we learn the stories of people who have lost their lives in war. 

Anti-Bullying Week

Anti-Bullying Week will take place between 13–17 November. The theme for this year’s Anti-Bullying Week is ‘Make a Noise About Bullying’. During this assembly, young people will have the opportunity to think about what bullying is, and will be able to reflect on their own behaviour and actions towards others. Additionally, they will read an extract from the text “The ‘In’ Group” in which a high school student reflects on her behaviour towards others, before reflecting on peer pressure.

Trans Awareness Week

Trans Awareness Week takes place between 13–19 November. It is an opportunity for young people to celebrate the trans community, and to learn about the prejudice and discrimination trans and non-binary people face. During this assembly, students will watch a video called ‘What Being Trans Means’ and will be encouraged to think about identity and how it is shaped. They will also have an opportunity to reflect on statistics, which draw attention to the prejudice and discrimination faced by trans and non-binary people, and will be reminded of the definition of a hate crime.  

Islamophobia Awareness Month

Islamophobia Awareness Month takes place throughout the month of November. It is an opportunity for young people to learn about Islamophobia, and to learn about the positive contributions made by Muslims and the Muslim community. During this assembly, young people will be asked to think about the impact Islamophobia can have on individuals and communities and are reminded of the importance of British values. They also have the opportunity to learn about the achievements of Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, a Persian mathematician.  

Please note, if you are short on time, you could divide this assembly in two or allow your students time to complete it during tutor time. 

Disability History Month

Disability History Month takes place between 16 November and 16 December. It is an opportunity for young people to learn about the struggle faced by people with disabilities for equality and human rights. During this assembly, young people will learn about The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and hear from individuals who campaigned for the rights this act provided. They will also have the opportunity to learn about the Equality Act 2010 and will be asked to consider why it matters.

Notes for Use

Download the student-facing slides here. While you may need to modify these to meet the needs of your students, please note that Facing History and Ourselves does not endorse any changes that alter the presentation's content or original layout.