Values and Celebration Assemblies

At Alexandra Park, we begin each week with a Values Assembly, bringing our school values of Care, Aspire and Achieve and our Learning Behaviours to life. These assemblies provide opportunities for children to reflect on what it means to be a positive member of our school community, to learn from the experiences of others and to consider how they can put our values into practice.

We celebrate the achievements of a wide range of people, from our class icons and inspirational figures to visitors who have made an impact in their chosen fields. We have been fortunate to welcome Olympians such as Rebecca Adlington, whose achievements inspire children to aim high and persevere. Equally, we believe it is important for children to recognise the extraordinary contributions of ordinary people. For example, we have explored the story of Tobias Weller, a young campaigner with cerebral palsy who worked tirelessly to make playgrounds more accessible. His story demonstrates how Care for others, the courage to Aspire to make a difference and the determination to Achieve can bring about positive change.

Our Values Assemblies also provide a platform to explore current issues and themes that are important to our school community. These include subject-specific assemblies celebrating artists, authors and other inspirational figures, as well as themes such as wellbeing, anti-bullying and anti-racism. Through these experiences, children develop empathy, broaden their understanding of the world and learn to approach different perspectives with respect.

We believe that personal development is most effective when learning is revisited, discussed and put into practice, rather than delivered as a one-off event. Drawing on the principles of a sustained cycle of learning and development, we build opportunities for reflection and reinforcement into our assemblies. Each Values Assembly begins with a short review of previous learning, helping children recall key messages and make connections over time. Children then explore and deepen their understanding through their Class Forums, where they can discuss ideas, share their views and consider how our values apply to everyday life. Each week, a different class contributes to our assembly book, recording key messages and reflections so that our learning and experiences are remembered and celebrated across the school.

At the end of each week, we come together for our Celebration Assembly, a much-loved opportunity to recognise the achievements, efforts and positive contributions of our children. Teachers share what has made them proud of their classes and announce their Star of the Week, celebrating children who have demonstrated our values, embraced our Learning Behaviours or made a particularly positive contribution to school life. These celebrations are about much more than individual achievement. We take great pride in seeing the excitement, encouragement and genuine happiness children show when their classmates are recognised. Their enthusiastic applause, high-fives and words of congratulations reflect the kindness, generosity and sense of belonging that we strive to nurture at Alexandra Park. They remind us that achievement is something to celebrate together.

We finish the week by inviting our Star of the Week to enjoy drinks and biscuits with the headteacher in the conference room. This special time allows us to celebrate each child's success, hear about the work they are proud of and, importantly, listen to their views about school. It provides a meaningful opportunity for pupil voice, ensuring that children know their opinions are valued and can help shape our school.

Through our Values and Celebration Assemblies, we aim to ensure that every child is inspired to Care for others, Aspire to be their best and Achieve with pride. Above all, we want children to recognise that success is not only about what they accomplish individually, but also about the kindness they show, the challenges they embrace and the positive difference they make to the lives of others.