If you did the calculations you would discover that during their primary school years, a child will spend roughly 70 days in assembly, and possibly a further 52 days during their secondary years. This can be either time that is simply lost and forgotten or hours that can be used to make a difference - to create confident individuals and responsible, deep-thinking citizens for the future. For young people growing up in the twenty-first century, life can seem very complex with many things to worry about: issues such as global warming, depleted natural resources and how we can all live together harmoniously in rapidly changing communities. The generation of children currently passing through our schools will have to resolve these issues for us. This will be achieved partly through the skills and intelligence they gather and partly through the development of a spiritual intelligence that will enable them to become good citizens and do the right things at the right time - which is the focus of this unique book. Will Ryan has created a resource that will allow busy school leaders and teachers to deliver outstanding assemblies that make a beneficial impression on the lives of the young people listening. Part I, Our World in the Twenty-First Century, aims to help children to become responsible global citizens who will help to change the world for the better. While Part 2, Creating Responsible Citizens in Our Schools and Communities, aims to promote a sense of aspiration and ambition within learners and also provide ideas for how they can make a positive difference to the school and the locality. Each assembly idea is presented in three ways: Three Star Assemblies: "Help, I've hardly any time to plan an assembly!" For these assemblies, you can simply pick up the book and read the story or account and follow the activities planned. Four Star Assemblies: These are for the occasions when you've got a bit longer to prepare, gather resources or get the children involved. Five Star Assemblies: Perhaps it is because Ofsted are about to arrive, but you want this assembly to be the best assembly ever! The book is aimed at Key Stages 2 and 3 (ages 7 - 14) and contains beautiful and thought-provoking colour photographs throughout, which are included on a free accompanying CD, making it even easier to jump straight into outstanding assemblies. The resources are also ideal for circle times, citizenship or PSHE lessons and philosophy for children (P4C) sessions.

This book is aimed at key stages two and three, ages 7-14. It contains beautiful and thought-provoking colour photographs throughout, which are also included on a free accompanying CD.This is a 'must have' for all of us who lead school assemblies and want to engage pupils with relevant world issues that will touch their hearts and open their minds.Dr. Neil Hawkes, International Consultant and Trainer in Values-based Education (VbE)A life-saver for those times when you need an assembly that will really impress!James Bowen, Head Teacher, Mill Rythe Junior SchoolThis book gives teachers the chance to use assemblies to bring awe, wonder and spirituality into school .Bill Lord, Head Teacher, Long Sutton Community Primary School, former National Strategies Literacy AdvisorOffers teachers and schools a wealth and breadth of thought-provoking opportunities for reflection.Sr Jude Groden RSM, Primary R.E. Adviser, Diocese of BrentwoodChallenging and thought-provoking subject matter, coupled with incredible photography, ensure that both child and practitioner are hooked. Karen Bister, Deputy Head Teacher, Woodthorpe PrimaryThe excellent quality of the pictures sets the emotive backcloth for relevant thought and reflection.Shane Jarman, Head Teacher, Denaby Main Primary School

Will Ryan has worked in schools in Rotherham, South Yorkshire for over thirty years as a teacher, head teacher and Local Authority Adviser. As a head teacher he led a school that prized itself on genuine pupil creativity and was described by Ofsted as 'outstanding'. He is a speaker and Associate of Independent Thinking Ltd. Since establishing Independent Thinking 25 years ago, Ian Gilbert has made a name for himself across the world as a highly original writer, editor, speaker, practitioner and thinker and is someone who the IB World magazine has referred to as one of the world's leading educational visionaries.The author of several books, and the editor of many more, Ian is known by thousands of teachers and young people across the world for his award-winning Thunks books. Thunks grew out of Ian's work with Philosophy for Children (P4C), and are beguiling yet deceptively powerful little philosophical questions that he has created to make children's - as well as their teachers' - brains hurt.Ian's growing collection of bestselling books has a more serious side too, without ever losing sight of his trademark wit and straight-talking style. The Little Book of Bereavement for Schools, born from personal family experience, is finding a home in schools across the world, and The Working Class - a massive collaborative effort he instigated and edited - is making a genuine difference to the lives of young people from some of the poorest backgrounds.A unique writer and editor, there is no other voice like Ian Gilbert's in education today.