Explore the latest Picture News resource here Can one person really make a difference to a global problem? It's a question many might ask when learning about environmental issues. This week's Picture News story explores the work of Boyan Slat, who became concerned about plastic pollution as a teenager. His idea grew into The Ocean Cleanup, an organisation developing technology to remove rubbish from oceans and prevent more plastic from entering rivers and seas. Protecting our oceans: a primary school assembly discussion Children explore the impact of plastic pollution on oceans and marine life, learning why it is such a significant environmental challenge. They discover how The Ocean Cleanup is working to remove rubbish from rivers and seas, before considering the role technology, innovation and human action can play in solving global problems. The story encourages children to think critically about environmental issues and whether large-scale change can begin with a single idea. Assembly resource used to support discussion about ocean conservation PSHE and classroom discussion in primary schools This story provides opportunities for children to think about responsibility, action and the impact people can have on the world around them. Children consider different viewpoints about environmental issues and discuss how people can work together to care for shared spaces and natural habitats. This week's Media Literacy activity encourages children to explore the emotional impact of news stories and recognise that people may react to the same information in different ways. Developing this awareness can help children better understand their own responses, appreciate the perspectives of others and build the empathy needed to engage with current events thoughtfully. Media Literacy resource supporting discussion about how news stories can affect our thoughts and feelings Questions to support classroom discussion Learning about environmental challenges can help children understand how problems are identified, investigated and addressed by people around the world. Teachers might explore questions such as: Why do you think oceans are important? What are your thoughts on Boyan Slat's work with The Ocean Cleanup? Who has a responsibility to help protect the oceans? Do we all have a part to play? Why do you think Boyan Slat continued trying to solve this problem? What might our oceans look like in the future if countries do not work together to tackle pollution? Could technology play an important role in protecting oceans in the future? Why do you think this? Developing geographical knowledge in primary schools The weekly world map helps children build geographical knowledge by regularly exploring the countries, continents and regions linked to current events. Over time, this develops children's understanding of the wider world, while this week's focus on the oceans provides a natural opportunity to identify and discuss the five oceans, a key area of learning in Key Stage 1 geography. World map supporting geographical knowledge and understanding of the world's oceans Using current events in primary school assemblies and lessons How can we protect the oceans? Exploring this question encourages children to think about the relationship between people and the environment. The story highlights how innovation, perseverance and collaboration can help tackle complex challenges. It also encourages children to consider whether one person's idea can inspire change on a much larger scale. The reflection page supports the final part of the assembly, helping to draw together learning Explore the latest Picture News resource here
