Ideas to use

St Francis' Day - 4 October

The following assembly outline is an idea for a presentation about the life of St. Francis, linking it to a famous Bible passage from the Sermon on the Mount.

Candlemas (2nd February) - The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

This assembly idea uses different sources of light as symbols to encourages the children to reflect further on their understanding of Jesus as 'the Light of the World'.

The Cross of St George: a classroom activity for St George's Day

An idea for a children's or all-age activity for St George's Day

Candlemas - Anna meets Jesus

Janani Lawum from Uganda: 17 February

On February 17th each year the people of Uganda remember their famous Archbishop, Janani Lawum, who was murdered in 1977 because he stood up to the injustices of the country’s dictator Idi Amin. This is a story of someone whose Christian faith led him to act courageously and take risks on behalf of others who were suffering.

The Prison angel: a presentation about Elizabeth Fry (21 May & 12 October)

One World Week (October)

Each year the third week in October is celebrated as One World Week. Christians believe that the world is God's gift to us and that God has given people the job of taking care of it by continuing to create good things with his help. The Christian faith is found all around the world and in response to God's gift of creation Christians try to make a difference for good where they are. What follows is an outline for a collective worship presentation for One World Week linking this worldwide family of faith to the story of creation and Abraham from the Bible.

Operation Christmas Child

A reflective storytelling approach to encourage pupils to think more deeply about giving gifts at Christmas.

Reflection on a natural disaster

A classroom reflection following a natural disaster, such as a flood, earthquake or famine.

Remembering Peace

This idea includes some thoughts as possible inspiration for a class group to present something special in an act of Collective Worship to mark Remembrance.

Dedication - what a load of differences!

Here's a storytelling way of presenting the call of the disciples that involves the whole class or the whole school in collective worship. The fact that Jesus chose each one of them with all their differences is so important and becomes the model of the new family that Christians know as the kingdom of God.

Dependence - supporting each other

This classroom activity uses a mixture of games, simple drama and a variety of storytelling suggestions to unpack the story of Jesus healing a man who was paralysed, demonstrating how important teamwork is in sport as well as in the Christian life.

Determination - not giving up

This idea picks up on the theme of determination through the story of blind Bartimaeus.

Olympic sports trivia

To focus on the Olympics, this idea brings together some Olympic sports trivia and some Bible sporting connections.

Using games and drama to explore Christian sporting values

This idea brings together a number of activities to link together Christian beliefs and key sporting values.

Bible passages with a sports theme

The Bible uses the imagery of running a race in a number of passages to explore what the journey of faith is like. This idea draws together some of these passages.

Dependence - Peter's escape from prison

This idea uses drama and storytelling to unpack the story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison with the help of prayer from his friends.

Who comes first? Seven values and the Bible

Here are some Bible stories to help you explore the seven official values of the Olympics with your class or in a joint assembly.

Discipline - keeping on track

The following idea explores the rules for the journey or race of faith using the Christian's special book (The Bible).

Decoration - finishing the race

This idea explores the race of faith and the 'finishing line' using the parable of the Great Feast.

Dedication - joining the team

This idea explores the story of the call of the first disciples and links this to becoming part of a team.

Reflective story on the Christian life with a sports theme

This idea unpacks the five stages of the faith journey using the stages of a sporting even as a comparison.

The crown of life: a cross-curricular lesson

Support material for lessons in RE/Art/Design Technology associated with 'royal' events in the life of the nation.

Respect - what does it really mean?

This idea picks up on the theme of respect and links it to sporting values using drama and storytelling.