Explore the latest Picture News resource here Inspiration can come from many places in a child’s life - from well-known figures like athletes and celebrities to the everyday people around them, such as teachers, friends and family members. These influences can help shape how children see the world and what they believe is possible. This week’s Picture News story focuses on Sir David Attenborough, who is celebrating his 100th birthday. For more than 70 years, he has created programmes that help people understand animals, nature and the planet, inspiring millions to learn more and take care of the world around them. A significant figure in the news: a primary school assembly discussion Through the assembly resource, children explore the life and work of Sir David Attenborough, including his early interest in nature and how this developed into a lifelong career. They consider how his work has helped people understand the natural world and why this is important. This provides an opportunity to think about what makes someone influential, and how one person’s actions can have a wide-reaching impact. Assembly resource used to support discussion about Sir David Attenborough PSHE and classroom discussion in primary schools Sir David Attenborough’s story provides a clear example of how one person’s interests and actions can influence how others understand the world. Using Resource 1, children explore his life, from his early curiosity about nature to the impact of his work over time. Resource 2 then broadens this thinking by introducing other individuals who have shaped how people view the world in different ways. This helps children to recognise that influence can take many forms, from raising awareness to challenging ideas or sharing knowledge. Together, these discussions support children in reflecting on what it means to make a difference, and how people’s actions can inspire others and create change. Resources 1 and 2 build on children’s learning further about Sir David and others who have had an impact on how people view the world Questions to support classroom discussion Teachers might explore questions such as: Why do some people become important to the world? What made Sir David Attenborough influential? How can one person make a difference? What can we learn from people who have had an impact? Using current events in primary school assemblies and lessons Why do some people become so important to the world? Exploring this question through Sir David Attenborough’s story helps children reflect on how curiosity, passion and dedication can influence others. Stories like this support children in connecting current events with their own lives, encouraging them to think about how their own interests and actions could make a difference over time. The reflection page supports the final part of the assembly, helping to draw together learning Explore the latest Picture News resource here
