Each week, primary schools across the UK gather for an assembly and classroom discussion centered around current affairs. This week, students explored a range of news topics, focusing primarily on changing communication trends and the impact of rising stamp prices announced by Royal Mail. Royal Mail Stamp Price Increase: What’s Changing? Royal Mail recently revealed that from 4th April 2022, the cost of sending letters and parcels will rise. Specifically, the price of a 1st class stamp is set to increase by 10p to 95p, while the 2nd class stamp will go up by 2p to 68p. According to Royal Mail, these changes are necessary as people are sending fewer letters and the cost of running the service continues to rise. In a statement, Royal Mail said these decisions were made carefully, considering the long-term decline in letter usage. The Role of Royal Mail in Modern Times Royal Mail, with over 500 years of history, began when King Henry VIII appointed Sir Brian Tuke as the first ‘Master of the Posts’ in 1516. Today, Royal Mail provides mail collection and delivery services throughout the UK, maintaining the well-known red post boxes—over 150,000 across the country. The service employs around 140,000 people and continues to be an important part of everyday life, despite changing communication habits. Why Are Fewer Letters Being Sent? The decline in letter-sending is largely attributed to advances in technology. Emails, text messaging, and phone calls have become quicker and more cost-effective ways to communicate. As a result, fewer people are using letters and stamps for everyday communication, although parcel delivery—driven by online shopping—has seen an increase. Methods of Communication: Then and Now Communication has evolved dramatically over the centuries. Before the establishment of Royal Mail, individuals paid private couriers to deliver messages. Following its creation in 1516, postal services expanded to wider public use. Over time, advancements such as the telegraph, telephone, fax machine, and the internet have reshaped how people share information. Today, options include traditional letters, emails, texts, video calls, and social media. Special Value of Letters Despite the rise of digital communication, many still value receiving a physical letter or card. Reasons people write letters include expressing gratitude, sharing important news, making complaints, sending invitations, or simply reaching out to loved ones. Some prefer letters for their personal touch and the time invested in writing them, making them meaningful keepsakes. Classroom Activities and Discussion Ideas This week in schools, students engaged in discussions and activities relating to communication. Topics included why people choose different methods, the impact of rising stamp prices, and reflecting on the last time they sent or received a letter. Some classes created communication carousels—trying out emails, letters, phone calls, and even Morse code—while younger pupils practiced writing and mailing letters to local care homes. Questions for Thought When did you last post a card or letter, and who was it for? Would you rather receive a letter or an email? Why? Do you think stamps are still as important today? Which communication method do you prefer for different situations? Vocabulary Focus Students also explored key terms related to this week’s story: Advances: Making progress; developing or improving something. Campaign: An organised course of action to achieve a goal. Communicate: To share or exchange information. Decline: To become less. Running costs: The money spent regularly to keep an organisation working. Statement: Something someone says or writes officially. Looking Ahead: Is There Still a Place for Letters? As technology continues to develop, we have more ways to communicate than ever before. Still, sending letters remains a special option, valued for its personal touch. Assemblies and classroom conversations encourage students to consider whether letters and stamps still play an important role in today’s world—and how best to balance digital advances with cherished traditions. 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
