This week in our primary school assembly and classroom discussions, we focused on the Nobel Peace Prize and the remarkable story of this year’s winner. The Nobel Peace Prize: Celebrating Bravery and Change This year’s Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to María Corina Machado from Venezuela. The Nobel Prizes are special international awards, given each year to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to science, literature, and peace. María Corina Machado has worked peacefully to make her country fairer and to protect people’s rights. Her dedication is being recognised for its bravery in speaking out for fairness and freedom, even when it is difficult or risky. The award highlights the importance of non-violent action in creating change. Exploring the Nobel Prizes in the Classroom During the assembly, students were encouraged to look at this week’s poster and describe the image. They predicted and discussed the possible topic, linking it to fairness and the stories of inspiring individuals. By reading the assembly resource, pupils learned about María Corina Machado and reflected on why she was chosen for the prize. They watched a video explaining the different Nobel Prizes and considered the qualities needed to achieve such recognition. Why Are Prizes Important? The discussion extended to prizes in general. Students shared their experiences of receiving prizes at school—such as for kindness, effort, or teamwork—and talked about other awards in areas like sport and the arts. Together, they considered whether recognising achievements and positive actions is a good idea, and why it’s important to celebrate those who help make the world a better place. The Six Nobel Prizes There are six Nobel Prizes, each celebrating work in different areas: Peace, Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Economic Sciences. Pupils were invited to think carefully about the kinds of values and achievements these prizes celebrate, such as courage, kindness, and respect. The class talked about why some values appear across different categories and discussed the benefits of sharing ideas and achievements from people of every country. Reflection: The Impact of Nobel Prize Winners The stories of Nobel Prize winners show how ideas and actions can change the world. Their achievements in science, medicine, and peace have improved lives everywhere. These stories remind us to be curious, brave, and kind—qualities everyone can use to make a difference. Classroom Activities and Discussions To deepen understanding, students took part in several activities: Debating what makes someone’s contribution important and the different ways people are recognised for their achievements. Researching inventions, like clean water technology or medicine, and presenting how these discoveries make life better. Imagining a brand-new prize, thinking about what values it would celebrate and who might win it. Writing or recording their own acceptance speeches, reflecting on what it would feel like to receive a Nobel Prize. Key Vocabulary from This Week Bravery: Courage in difficult or unknown situations. María’s non-violent action for fairness and freedom is an example of bravery. Contribution: Actions or things that help create positive change. Highlight: To clearly show the importance of something. Honour: To show respect and appreciation for someone’s actions. Outstanding: Something excellent or impressive. Recognise: To appreciate or acknowledge someone’s accomplishments. Reflection and Next Steps The Nobel Prizes serve as a reminder that anyone, no matter their age or where they live, can make a difference with their talents and actions. Recognising and celebrating the achievements of individuals help inspire others and show that important work is valued. Whether it is an international award or a school certificate, rewards can motivate all of us to try our best and help others. 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
