Themes
Courage; being brave; doing the right thing; supporting others.
Summary
This assembly framework for primary schools uses a short video to consider the theme of courage – it is part of a collection celebrating 'school values'. Pupils will reflect on what it means to face fears, overcome challenges, and support others in their moments of bravery.
The video
Rhys:
Courage is being brave and making good choices in the face of fear or obstacles. It means not letting worry hold us back from doing new things, developing skills, or standing up for what we believe is right. Have you ever had to show courage?
Child 1:
A time I've used courage when I was age 4 and I started my karate. It has gotten me to be the youngest black belt in the UK at only age 7. That courage has made me proud of myself.
Child 2:
I was scared to go to the dentist, and then I had courage anyway.
Child 3:
I use courage every day when my teacher picks me to answer something, I always use my courage to try and answer it the best I can.
Child 4:
I used courage on my first day of school to make new friends. I felt courage when I got chosen to go into maths club.
Rhys:
You all have a lot of courage! Every time you show courage in a scary or difficult situation, you get a little bit braver and doing it again gets a little bit easier. Sometimes you have to show courage to help others, by sticking up for what you believe is right. It takes courage to stand up for yourself and others. And if you see someone else showing courage, cheer them on! It'll make you feel braver too. This is Harvey's story of courage.
Child VO:
I'm Harvey. I'm in year four. My best friend is Cali. Margo lives on my street. We used to play together. Cali laughs at her sometimes. But she says it's just a joke. Later Dad asks what happened with Margo that morning. I tell him it makes everyone laugh how bad she is at football. But Dad says, "Does Margo laugh?" The next day, Cali makes fun of Margo again. But this time I say, "Leave her alone, Cali." She says she's only joking. So I say, "But it's not funny, it's mean." It takes courage to stand up to others, but it's always worth it.
Rhys:
Everyone has courage inside them, sometimes you just need to practise a little bit more for your courage to come out. Maybe that could be raising your hand in class, or just trying something new. Courage means not letting fear or worry hold you back. Izzy has shown courage by standing up for what she believes in.
Izzy:
Hi I'm Izzy and I was a member of Youth Parliament. Youth Parliament gives young people a voice in the government. This meant that I had to use courage to stand up for the things that are important to me. I had to remind myself that as young people, our voices deserve to be listened to, even in a room full of adults. I gave a speech to parliament which went viral online, and was seen by millions of people all across the world. They all listened to what I had to say, which made me realise my voice was worthy of being heard. If you're feeling worried or nervous about having to do something, just try to make sure that the little voice inside your head that tells you can do it is louder than the voice that tells you you can't. My personal trick is to take a minute to yourself, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and just go for it. Finding your courage allows you to be your true self, follow your passions and stand up for what you believe in. I'm not always courageous, but I try and do things even if I have to do them afraid and then I'm always proud of myself that I didn't let fear stop me. It's not always easy and it's not always comfortable, but I'm always happy once I've done it. And remember, courage looks different to different people, so try to encourage others to believe in themselves too.
Rhys:
You don't have to tackle the biggest, scariest thing in the world to be courageous. Sometimes doing small things takes the most courage! It's not easy to have courage but by practicing, you'll soon be ready to take on bigger challenges and stand up for what you believe in. How can you show courage today?
Video summary
Presenter Rhys Stephenson defines the theme of courage and asks children to consider the word’s meaning, followed by a group of children describing what it means to them.
Rhys expands on those ideas and a short animation provides an example with a story about Harvey, who pretends not to notice when he sees his friends bullying someone else – he then realises it is important to stand up for what is right.
Rhys then provides some practical advice and introduces Izzy Garbutt, who was a Member of Youth Parliament and showed courage when speaking in the House of Commons.
Resources
Assembly framework (PDF) document
A suggested framework to download/print
Image: Courage. image
Click to display the image full-size
Suggested assembly framework
1. As the pupils enter
Play your chosen music – perhaps from this collection of songs to support assemblies and Collective Worship, each with lyrics on screen and backing tracks.
2. Introduction
Engaging Question:
"What does it mean to be brave? Can you think of a time when you felt scared but did something courageous?"
Set the scene:
Explain that today’s assembly will focus on courage—what it looks like, how it feels, and how we can help others to be brave.
Link to National Curriculum:
Highlight how the theme connects to:
- PSHE: Developing resilience and courage in relationships and challenges.
- English: Discussing and reflecting on personal experiences through language and writing.
- PE: Building courage through physical activity and teamwork.
3. The video
You may choose to watch the video either in its entirety or in sections with pauses to allow you to personalise the assembly as you go.
Play the video and encourage pupils to watch for:
- The character’s moments of fear and bravery.
- How courage grows through persistence and support.
- The challenges overcome and lessons learned.
- What pupils take away from hearing the real-life stories of developing courage.
Pause the video at 00:55 and ask pupils to think about a time they have shown courage – how did it feel?
Resume the video and pause at 02:29 to discuss Harvey’s story:
- What challenges did Harvey and Margo face in the film?
- How did Harvey find the courage to make a difference?
- What role did others, such as Harvey’s Dad, play in helping them be brave?
Resume the video until the end and discuss Izzy’s story:
- How did she find the courage to overcome her fears?
- What advice did Izzy have to help pupils to find courage?
- Why was having courage so important to Izzy?
- Why was the Youth Parliament so important to her?
- How does this story relate to moments in your own life?
This is an opportunity to introduce someone from your own school community who has a story that demonstrates the value of Courage.
4. After the video – time to talk
Key questions for reflection:
- What challenges did Harvey and Margo face in the film?
- How did Harvey find the courage to make a difference?
- What role did others, such as Harvey’s Dad, play in helping them be brave?
- What advice did Izzy have to help pupils to find courage?
- Why was having courage so important to Izzy?
- Why was the Youth Parliament so important to her?
- How does this story relate to moments in your own life?
Interactive activity:
- Use a "Think, Pair, Share" format:
- Think: Pupils reflect individually.
- Pair: Share ideas with a partner.
- Share: Invite pairs to share their reflections with the assembly.
5. Opportunity for reflection/prayer
Ask each pupil to think of a "Courage Goal" for the week, such as:
- Trying something new.
- Speaking up in class.
- Helping a friend face a challenge.
End the session with a positive phrase that emphasises the value of courage, such as:
"Courage doesn’t mean we never feel scared—it means we face our fears and try anyway. Together, we can all find the courage to soar!"
More assemblies based around primary school values
Confidence. video
An assembly framework and video exploring the theme of confidence. Pupils will learn how belief in themselves, encouragement, and perseverance can help overcome challenges.
Commitment. video
An assembly framework and short video exploring the theme of commitment. Pupils will learn how dedication, focus, and perseverance help achieve goals, even when faced with challenges.
Compassion. video
An assembly framework and short video exploring the theme of compassion. Pupils will reflect on the importance of kindness, understanding, and supporting others.
Teamwork. video
An assembly framework and short film exploring the theme of teamwork. Pupils will reflect on the importance of working collaboratively to achieve shared goals and understand the value of everyone’s contribution to the group.
Friendship. video
An assembly framework and short film exploring the theme of friendship. Pupils will reflect on the qualities of good friends, how to build strong relationships, and how friendships can help us navigate challenges.
