Thursday, 25 June 2026

Viking row

 

https://www.npr.org/2026/06/25/nx-s1-5866742/world-cup-norway-soccer-viking-row
https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/norway-s-viking-row-spreads-the-glow-of-warmth-at-the-world-cup/ar-AA26lPt6

What do you see in the picture, where are they, who are they, what are they doing?

The picture shows Norway football supporters in the stadium watching their team. The supporters are performing a Viking row together.

What is a Viking row?
Why are they rowing invisible ships?
Why are they all joining in?

The Viking row has gone viral at the World Cup. There have been videos posted on social media showing thousands of people joining in the Viking row, Back home in Norway the Prime Minister and parliament did a row and the speaker of parliament said, "We are doing it for peace. We are doing it for love and to show our support for the football team, which we are really proud of."


How can a row stand for peace and love?

Norway have not been in the World Cup for 28 years - the last time was 1998- so the 5 million people that live in Norway are incredibly proud of their team. 

How do you think this viral row started?

The rowing was started by Norwegian football fan Ole Froystad. Ole says, "A thousand years ago the Vikings rowed. They took in their sails and put out their oars to get to shore. And they did that right before battle. It's about rowing for the team, making sure they feel good on the pitch."

Why Vikings?

The Norway fans first became famous after a video of them rowing on an escalator went viral. Since then they have rowed in Times Square, New York and all over America.




What do you think happens when the Norway fans gather to row?
Do you have to be Norwegian to join in, is everyone in this photo from Norway?
Why are people who support different teams joining in?

A social media post this week saw Ola teaching Scottish football fans how to row. In another post he approaches different people and asks if they know a word for row in a different language. He learns how to say row in 5 different languages.

Watch the first 2 minutes of this video to see Norwegain and Scottish fans joining together for the row
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4zEHRa7hm8


Why do this?
Why not just stick to Norwegian fans?

Journalist Shomshuvra Laha says the Viking row represents a collective identity, "Norway's supporters and players announce a shared story: we advance together, we lose together."

What is a collective identity?

"They offer a shared emotional experience, a moment of oneness that will forever remain... The underlying message remains remarkably consistent; they are always to foster togetherness."

Why / how do you think these actions foster togetherness?
Could we do a Viking row in this assembly?
Is it ok to do a Viking row if you are an England supporter?
Is there an English equivalent?
Why is this about No Outsiders?
Which British Value is this about?

Do you want this assembly as a power point with Oracy sentence stems? To join the free mailing list and receive these assemblies as power points every week, email me on a.moffat@excelsiormat.org

No Outsiders: We belong here by Andrew Moffat  (scheme of work for primary schools) 





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Thursday, 18 June 2026

First Muslim player

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cr4q05l0gq9o

What do you see in the picture, who is this? What do you think this story might be about?

The picture shows Djed Spence who is playing for England in the World Cup this year. Djed represents a first. This is the first time something has happened in the England squad. 

Can you guess what that is?

This is the first time a Muslim footballer has played for the senior England men's team. Djed says, "It's good to make history and hopefully inspire young kids around the world so that they can make it as well. They can do what I am doing."

How might Djed inspire young kids?
Do you think Djed is only talking about young Muslim kids?

Nathan Ellington is a footballer who converted to Islam later in life, during a football career where he scored 100 goals. Nathan says, "When you first become Muslim, you try to navigate some of the things that are new. What happens is, some people in football clubs.."

How do you think Nathan might finish this sentence?

"What happens is some people in football clubs don't know much about the religion and they just look at it negatively."

Why do you think this sometimes happens?

"But then maybe they start to learn and realise, 'oh it's not that different, he just needs this adjustment, this food, time to pray. Sometimes people treat you as though you don't conform to the 'normal' way of being a footballer - you can be seen as an outsider."

What does Nathan mean by that?

Riz Rahman works as an inclusion executive for the Football Association.

What do you think an inclusion executive does?
What does this job show about football in 2026?
Some people might say there is no need for an inclusion executive in football. How would you respond?

Riz says, "It's not easy when players are fasting during Ramadan and playing at the same time, but with proper support it can be done. We also speak to clubs about ensuring clubs have a space to pray, how to include their families and understand about their faith as much as possible. It's all about Education."

Why does Riz think it's important that football clubs know about different religions?

"It's very important that young men and women in sport are encouraged to be themselves. It costs us nothing to support a player for you they are and it opens the gates for others in the future. It's not just Muslims - there are going to be kids of other heritages who are inspired by Djed."

Who is Riz talking about here?
What can we learn from Djed Spence?
Why is this about No Outsiders?
Which British Value is this about?

Do you want this assembly as a power point with Oracy sentence stems? To join the free mailing list and receive these assemblies as power points every week, email me on a.moffat@excelsiormat.org

No Outsiders: We belong here by Andrew Moffat  (scheme of work for primary schools) 




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Saturday, 13 June 2026

England Squad 2026

 

https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2026/May/22/england-mens-world-cup-2026-squad-named-by-thomas-tuchel-20262205

What do you see here? Who are they, do you know any names? 

This is the England squad for the World Cup 2026. 

What do you notice about the England team in 2026? 

The England team is very diverse. 

What do you know about the rules if you play for England in the World Cup, who makes the rules? 

The official rules for representing the England national team in the World Cup are set out by Fifa. There are four criteria: Citizenship; Territorial Birth; Ancenstry; Education/ Residency. 

What do you think each of these words mean?

Citizenship: A player must be a national of the country they represent. 

Territorial Birth: Born in the territory of the relevant association (England). 

Ancestry: Biological parents or grandparents were born in the territory. 

Education/Residency: The player lived and received education in the territory for a set number of years (at least 5 years). 

How do these rules affect the England Squad? 
How have immigrants affected our England team today?
How many out of the 26 players do you think come from families born outside England? 

19 out of 26 players have heritage or descent from countries other than England. 

Marc Guehi was born on the Ivory coast and moved to England with his family when he was one year old. 

 Ezri Konsa's dad is from the Congo and his mum is from Angola. 

Tino Livramento's dad is from Portugal and his mum is from Scotland. 

Djed Spence's dad is Jamaican. 

Jarell Quansah is eligible to represent England, Ghana, Scotland and Barbados through his heritage. 

Jude Bellingham has Irish decent through his father and Kenyan descent through his mother 

Declan Rice has grandparents from Ireland. 

Kobbie Mainoo's parents are from Ghana. 

Eberechi Eze's parents are from Nigeria.

Harry Kane's dad is Irish.  

Marcus Rashford's parents are Jamaican. 

Nico O’Reilly's dad is Jamaican. 

Morgan Rogers has partial Jamaican descent.

Anthony Gordon is of Irish and Scottish descent.

Bukayo Saka has Nigerian parents who emigrated to London. 

Noni Madueke is of Igbo Nigerian descent.

Ollie Watkins is of Jamaican descent.

Ivan Tony has Jamaican descent though his mum and Vincentian descent through his dad.

Reece James is of Grenadian and Dominican descent though his Dad and English descent through his Mum 

Who is the England manager, responsible for choosing the squad and leading England to victory? Should they be English?

The England manager is Thomas Tuchel. He was born in Germany. Thomas is the first German- born manager of the England team. He has coached Harry Kane, Mason Mount and Reece James. He has won three league titles in Europe.

Here is a video of the England squad reveal. Why do you think they chose these images? What does the video make you think about England today and the World Cup?

https://youtu.be/2umUvkWzzxw?si=ZSGW8T_1jCQkiav6

What does the England squad 2026 tell us about living in England today?

Why is this about No Outsiders?

Which British Value is this about?

Do you want this assembly as a power point with Oracy sentence stems? To join the free mailing list and receive these assemblies as power points every week, email me on a.moffat@excelsiormat.org

No Outsiders: We belong here by Andrew Moffat  (scheme of work for primary schools) 







 

 

 

 

 

England 2026 World Cup Squad Guide 


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Saturday, 6 June 2026

Pride 2026

 

https://metro.co.uk/2026/06/04/londons-reform-council-cancels-pride-flag-ceremony-28633976/

What do you see in the picture, where are they, what are they doing, what do you think this story is about?

This picture was taken at Birmingham Pride last weekend.

What is Pride? Why do people go on Pride events, who is it for?
(pupils may say Pride is for everyone, which is true, but ask what it is specifically for. Is it about racism, for example? What are the four or five letters you often hear when talking about Pride and what do they stand for - LGBTQ+) 

There are Pride events every year in many cities around the world. Thousands of people march, wave flags and celebrate acceptance and freedom to be who they are.

Birmingham City Council flew the rainbow flag above the Council House and the library lit up in rainbow colours over the weekend.

Why do that? What is the council trying to show residents of Birmingham in 2026?

Some councils in the UK have banned Pride flags in public buildings this year. In Havering, East London, for example, the council office has flown a Pride flag during Pride month every year, but this year they will not. They have also told libraries to "scale back" pride celebrations. They say only the Union jack and St George's cross can be flown from public buildings.

What do you think about this decision?
What do you think some residents in Havering did in response?

Some residents in Havering held their own Pride event in the local park where they waved flags and had a picnic. One person said, "We can't change their decision but we can choose to be more direct in our efforts."

What does "being more direct" mean?
You could argue there's no point in doing this as the decision can't be changed. What do you think?
In your opinion, did the residents do the right thing, are they breaking the law?

The Havering council leader explained the reason the council do not feel they need to fly the Pride flag; "The union (jack) flag represents our country and as such is inclusive of all our residents."

Can you see both sides of this argument?
What is your opinion?
Some people might argue in 2026 we don't need Pride events anyway. What are the arguments for and against this argument?

In a statement, Birmingham City Council said, "Pride helps create a city where everyone can live without fear and prejudice."

Why do some people live with fear and prejudice?
Why do you think Birmingham Council thinks a Pride event can help?
How do we make sure in our school there is no fear and prejudice - what can we do about that?

Why is this about No Outsiders?

Which British value is this about?

Do you want this assembly as a power point with Oracy sentence stems? To join the free mailing list and receive these assemblies as power points every week, email me on a.moffat@excelsiormat.org

No Outsiders: We belong here by Andrew Moffat  (scheme of work for primary schools) 










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Thursday, 28 May 2026

Cheese rolling

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c98rrde2d9no
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz024gnm9z4o

What do you see in the picture, what is happening, where are they, what do you think the story is here?

An annual event that is an old English tradition was held last week on a hill in Gloucestershire. The picture shows the competitors joining the event. They are chasing something down a steep hill. 

Can you see what they are chasing? The small object is in the picture at the front.

The photo shows the annual cheese rolling event on Coopers Hill in Brockworth. A wheel of Double Gloucester cheese is rolled down the hill and after a one second start, runners chase it. The winner is the first person to cross the finish line at the bottom of the hill. The cheese can reach speeds of 70 mph and no one in the race ever actually catches the cheese, but the winner gets to take it home.

What do you think of this traditional race?

The annual event has been held for at least 500 years, possibly 600. No one really knows how it started . Some believe it was started to encourage a good harvest. It is thought when the event was first held, villagers would roll a burning wheel of wood and straw down the hill to celebrate the birth of a new year after winter. The round wheel of cheese may have replaced the wheel to represent the sun.

Historian Jean Jefferies, who has written the only book on the cheese rolling event, suggests the event might have been started even earlier, by Romans; "There was dancing around the maypole, tug of war, children's races on the hill, running races and wrestling. There were all sorts of games and competitions. I'd like to think it was the Romans because, as I understand, they would roll things down a hill as part of paganism."

Why might medieval villagers celebrate a new year in this way?
Why do you think it has continued today?

The first written record of the event dates from 9th June 1836.

This photo shows the start of the race in 1941, during World War 2. During the war and in the years after the war, the cheese wheel was replaced by a wooden wheel. 

Why do you think that happened? (rationing) 


In 2010 the competition was cancelled because of health and safety fears.

What do you think those fears were, do you agree or disagree?

Since 2010 the cheese rolling has continued every year but as an unofficial event. It is known as an extreme sport and one of the worlds toughest downhill races. Runners risk serious injury taking part.  However, although there have been many bruises and broken bones over the years, there is no record of anyone dying during the race. There is an old legend about a man named Billy allegedly killed by a runaway cheese as he was walking up the hill to watch the race, but this is unconfirmed.

Question for Opal schools: If this was on our Opal playground, would we do it? (if your school does opal you will know that a key element is to encourage children to risk- assess. Use this story to explore risk and other options for similar games)

Today the cheese rolling competition is world famous. What started as a medieval English tradition for people living in the village, is today an event where hundreds of people from all over the world join in and thousands come to watch.

Why do you think it is so popular?

The winner this year was Tom Kopke from Germany. He travelled to Brockworth from Germany just for the race. Tom said after the race, "It's everyone's race and you have just got to give your best."

"It's everyone's race" - what does he mean? 

There were seven races this year. Other winners were Niels from Netherlands, Alix from France, Jamie from England and Ariel from America.

What do you notice about these winners?

You could argue this this an old English tradition that should be for English runners only. Including runners from different countries is disrespectful to the tradition. How would you respond?

Why is this about No Outsiders?
Which British value is this about?

Do you want this assembly as a power point with Oracy sentence stems? To join the free mailing list and receive these assemblies as power points every week, email me on a.moffat@excelsiormat.org

No Outsiders: We belong here by Andrew Moffat  (scheme of work for primary schools) 


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Thursday, 7 May 2026

Different faith working together

 

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/lifestyle/food-and-drink/how-fish-and-chips-are-bringing-together-faiths-in-a-leeds-suburb-5414299

What do you see in the picture, where are they, what do you notice about them? What do you think the story is about?

The photo shows Arabaab Munir on the left with Rabbi Anthony Gilbert on the right. 

What is a Rabbi? 

Arabaab and Anthony follow different faith; Rabbi Anthony Gilbert is Jewish and Arabaab Munir is Muslim.

What do you think brings them together?

Arabaab owns Marlow's British Kitchen in Leeds, which sells fish and chips. Next door is the Beth Hamidrash Hagadol Synagogue and bakery. When Arabaab opened last September, his neighbour Rabbi Anthony visited to say hello. Rabbi Anthony suggested Arabaab started selling Kosher fish and chips.

What is a synagogue?
What does kosher food mean?

Kosher food is food that complies with Jewish dietary customs (also known as kashrut) making it fit for consumption according to Jewish tradition found in the Torah. A key rule is strict separation of meat and dairy products. There needs to be separate fryers for the fish and the chips too. 

Do other religions have customs about how food is prepared?

What do you think Arabaab said when he was asked to prepare his food in a way that was different to his own faith and also have separate fryers for the fish and the chips?

Arabaab said yes. Why do you think he did that?

Arabaab says, "Selling kosher fish and chips helps bring the community together which is the main objective. When people walk through my door it doesn't matter what faith you are. People want to eat together. We don't want to alienate everyone. Word is starting to get around a little and hopefully people love the food."

What does alienate mean? Why doesn't Arabaab want to alienate people?

Rabbi Anthony Gilbert says, "It is the first time in 50 years we have a recognised kosher fish and chip shop in the heart of the community. In a time of turmoil, it's good to have people of all faiths coming together, working together and eating together."

What does he mean by "a time of turmoil"?
What do people of different faith and belief or custom have to do to come together? 

"The chip shop is respected by the community. They respect our customs and we respect theirs."

What can we learn from Arabaab and Rabbi Anthony Gilbert?
Why is this about No Outsiders?
Which British Value is this about?

Do you want this assembly as a power point with Oracy sentence stems? To join the free mailing list and receive these assemblies as power points every week, email me on a.moffat@excelsiormat.org

No Outsiders: We belong here by Andrew Moffat  (scheme of work for primary schools) 


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National Anthem

 

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/american-hockey-fans-finish-the-canadian-anthem-after-singers-mic-goes-out-watch/

What do you see in the picture, what do you notice, what do you think this story might be about?

The photo shows singer Cami Clune about to start singing at the start of a hockey game in America. The game was between the Buffalo Sabres (based in New York) and the Boston Bruins (based in Boston).

What song do you think Cami sings at the start of the game?

Cami sang the American and Canadian national anthems at the start of the game. 

Both teams are based in America so why do you think two different national anthems are played?

There is a strong Canadian fan base for the Buffalo Sabres because their home ground lies not far from the Canadian border. At all of their home games, both national anthems are performed. 

At this home game, something unexpected happened. Cami started singing the Canadian national anthem but after the first line, there was a technical glitch and her mic cut out. 

How do you think Cami felt?

In most arenas, there would be an awkward silence, but not here. 

What do you think happened next?

The crowd stepped in and continued the song for Cami. Most of the crowd were American but they sang the Canadian national anthem.

Why do you think they did that?

Cami later said the moment was a "cool community moment" that gave here chills.

What do you think she meant by that?

You can watch what happened here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdFvUMesJzA

Who was the outsider here and what happened to make sure they were no longer an outsider?

What are National Anthems for? 
Is it ok to sing a national anthem for a country you don't belong to?
Can you see this happening with England fans at the start of  a world cup game?
Why do you think this story went viral?
Why is this about No Outsiders?
Which British Value is this about?

Do you want this assembly as a power point with Oracy sentence stems? To join the free mailing list and receive these assemblies as power points every week, email me on a.moffat@excelsiormat.org

No Outsiders: We belong here by Andrew Moffat  (scheme of work for primary schools) 





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