This week, our primary school assembly and classroom discussion centres on the theme of heroes, particularly examining recent news coverage and public perceptions of those who help others, such as NHS staff during the pandemic. What’s Happening in the News? This week’s focus includes comments from Wales' Chief nursing officer, Sue Tranka, who has expressed concern over the depiction of nurses as superheroes. While these portrayals were meant to show appreciation, Ms Tranka noted that they have added pressure onto already exhausted workers, and that the NHS now faces an unsustainable staffing gap, with over 1,700 nursing vacancies reported in Wales. Unrealistic expectations placed on staff, especially after the pandemic, are not helping the situation. At the start of the pandemic, images of doctors and nurses as superheroes—complete with artwork and public campaigns—became widespread. What Does It Mean to Be a Hero? We are often encouraged to reflect on the true meaning of heroism. According to one dictionary definition, a hero is "a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for their brave deeds and noble qualities." Heroes can be found among our family, friends, community members, and even famous figures. American writer Joseph Campbell described a hero as someone who gives their life to something bigger than themselves. Our perceptions of heroes may change over time, and everyone’s version can be a little different. Examples of Real-Life Heroes Heroes are not limited to public figures or celebrities. Someone who gives up their time to volunteer in a charity shop, a person who helps tidy their local area, or someone who always checks if others are okay—all can be considered heroes. Many people’s acts of kindness and community spirit positively affect those around them, often without public recognition. These ‘unsung heroes’ play an important part in making the world a better place. How Did the NHS Superhero Idea Begin? During April 2020, as part of the ‘Thanks a million NHS’ campaign, many communities displayed rainbows and took part in initiatives like ‘Clap for Carers’ to thank health workers for their efforts. The idea of NHS staff as superheroes took hold, with tributes and artworks honoring their dedication and courage. However, as noted by Sue Tranka, while these gestures are appreciated, they may sometimes set unrealistic expectations on staff who are already working under immense pressure. How Do Heroes Make Us Feel? Our feelings about heroes can be complex and varied. Some people feel inspired, joyful, or grateful, while others may feel sad or frustrated when heroes go unrecognised or are placed under too much pressure. The vocabulary used to describe these emotions ranges from exuberant or exhilarated, to despondent or vexed, highlighting the deep impact heroes can have on our lives. Reflecting on Real-Life and Fictional Heroes Both real-life and fictional heroes share certain qualities: kindness, courage, putting others first, and striving to make the world a better place. While fictional heroes might have superpowers or secret identities, real-life heroes usually don’t wear costumes or battle villains, yet their positive impact is very real. Everyone has their own idea of what makes a hero—some focus on extraordinary abilities, while others value everyday acts of kindness. Discussion and Classroom Activities Assemblies and classroom discussions can be a great time to explore the concept of heroism. Three main activities are suggested: Superhero Art: Encourage students to think about the traits heroes have, and express these through creative projects. They can also write letters of thanks to someone they consider a hero. Researching Past Heroes: Students can learn about historical figures like Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, or Marie Curie and how they changed the world for the better. Create a Class Superhero: Design a superhero for the classroom who represents kindness, helpfulness, and community spirit. Students can consider the name, appearance, and ‘powers’ of their classroom superhero. Questions to Consider What is your definition of a hero? Who are your personal heroes? How do real-life heroes compare to fictional heroes? Are there heroes in your community who go unrecognised? What can you do to be a hero to someone else? Reflection: Can Anyone Be a Hero? Everyone has the potential to be a hero. Our actions, words, and behaviour can have a meaningful impact on others. By showing kindness, helping our communities, and supporting those in need, we can all contribute to making the world a better place. As we reflect on who our heroes are—be they real-life figures, historical icons, or even fictional characters—it’s important to remember that every act of courage or kindness counts. Explore, Join, and Learn More * Explore the latest Picture News resources here: https://picture-news.co.uk/free-sample * Join our latest discussion here: https://picture-news.co.uk/discuss * Explore our recent events and training here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training
