Assemblies are a key part in developing our whole school community. 

Whilst DJS is not a church school, in line with national guidance, our whole school assemblies are ‘broadly Christian in nature’. We relate these to the school value of the week; a key event or anniversary happening in the world, or a key date for a particular religion.  Through these assemblies, children are taught about the Protected Characteristics, our British Values and SMSC links. They always end in a quiet reflection, while a poem, thought or prayer is said.

Our weekly celebration assembly will recognise individual children with certificates for demonstrating our values. In these assemblies, whole class attendance is celebrated with our weekly attendance cup and our winning house team is announced for gaining the most house points that week.

We also hold singing assemblies once a week linked to the theme/value of the week and have weekly class assemblies using Newsround and Picture News. Through these assemblies, the children are taught about current events happening around the world, opening up thought-provoking questions and encouraging age-appropriate discussions.

Twice a year, each class performs an assembly to their parents/carers. This is an opportunity for children to show their speaking and listening, singing and drama skills through their engaging performances. 

Once or twice a half-term, the Vicar from the local church in Denmead – All Saints Church, holds an assembly for a year group, looking at Christian aspects of the school’s value or learning skill of the month. For other classes, in-class reflections are held by the class teacher. Special services are held at Christmas and at Easter for the whole school.