What do you see in the picture, where is is, what is happening, what is the story about?
On New Year's Eve many people across the world celebrated the start of 2026. Then photo shows the celebrations in London where there was a 15 minute firework display, the biggest in Europe.
Why do people celebrate a new year?
One argument is that new years day is just another day, so why celebrate it?
Part of the London fireworks included a speech called, "This is what England means to me"
Thinking about the title, what do you think was said in the speech?
"When it's sunny, it's to hot. When it's cold, the weather's rubbish. England to me is a cup of tea. How many sugars? I'm sweet enough."
Why do you think the author of the poem chose those opening lines?
"sweet enough" - what's this about?
"England to me is Caribbean barbers with a sharpish trim.
It's Christian neighbours saying Happy Hanukkah mate and Muslim mums saying Merry Christmas, love."
Why mention Caribbean barbers, why not English barbers?
Has the author got things mixed up here, should this say instead, "Jewish neighbours saying Happy Hanukkah, Muslim mums saying Happy Eid and Christian mums saying Merry Christmas"?
What is the author saying here about religions and nationalities in England today?
"And you think you're seeing flags now? Wait until the World Cup's on. And then you'll know about flags, my son."
Why do you think the author chose to mention flags?
To whom is the author addressing this line, is he talking to his child by saying, "my son", why use those words?
"Because this is what England means to me. It's about loving each other no mater what colour you are, where you're from or who your God is. Because this is England, this is the United Kingdom."
What is the author saying here?
Why do you think London chose to show so many different flags here, why not just show one flag?
Is there anything else you would add to this poem?
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said the London firework display was the greatest in the world; "From celebrating our wonderful year of women's sport and Europe beating the USA in the Ryder Cup to celebrating our diversity and looking ahead to a fantastic 2026, we've sent the message that London will always be a city of hope and a place for everyone."
Why do you think the Mayor chose to say London is a place for everyone?
What can we learn from the London NYE show this year?
Why is this about No Outsiders?
Which British value is this about?
Do you want this assembly as a power point? To join the free mailing list and receive these assemblies as power points every week, email me on a.moffat@excelsiormat.org
I usually send these out on a Sunday morning.
No Outsiders: We belong here by Andrew Moffat (scheme of work for primary schools)
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