The memory box assembly resource
Stage
Rationale
Learning intentions
Early, first, second, third, fourth levels and senior phase
(whole of primary and secondary).
This assembly outline is designed to be delivered to a
departmental group. It is also suitable for whole
school/stage/single class assemblies. It is about memory and
remembrance. Memory is often taken for granted. It can be
used to gain academic success. However, it is an important
aspect of our emotional and physical growth. As human beings
we require our memory to create our identity and also to
establish the identity of others. Remembering is a rich theme
to enable us to appreciate people, places and promises.
Memory and recalled experience is also at the core of many
trust issues. Pupils and staff will learn to value the place of
memory and remembering in honouring each other and also
influencing others for good, and to understand that
remembering the past and the example of others can help us
make the right choices.
By the end of the assembly pupils will:
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

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Duration
Reflection
explain that silence is not to be feared but explored,
thus sensing mystery and otherness in the act
experience a new appreciation of silence and self
share some of the important experiences of their lives
with each other through photographs and objects
from the visual language of video reflect upon memory
in relation to time and eternity
be challenged to think of people who struggle with
memory loss.
Approximately 50 minutes
Guided reflection
'Silence is a gift worth exploring. Silence helps us remember.
We owe much to those who are now silent because of war,
tragedy, sacrifice or accident. We need to be grateful for
memory; it gives us and others identity. Remembering helps
us make the right choices.'
Reading of 'In Flanders Fields' by John McCrae and the reading
from Corinthians centred around trust.
Personal reflection
Pupils will be given opportunities to remember people, places
and things of importance in their lives, think about these and
decide on personal action like visiting, sending a card, etc.
Possible activities
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
Be encouraged to 'remember' someone, that is, to
think about them; and then to take an action to
demonstrate this appreciation, for example sending a
card, making a call, sending a text.
In their own class pupils can make their own personal
memory box. When they return from the event they

can continue to share the reasons why they chose
certain items.
Pupils in their own time can send a card to mentors
who have been an influence for good in their lives.
Assembly running order
Introduction
Everyone who will take part in these events should be alerted to the fact that this will
not be like any normal school assembly. It will call for willingness from all to participate
and prepare for the experience. This advice is in keeping with the spirit of Curriculum for
Excellence.
Because of the nature of the event, it will be important that the facilitator directs and
takes control of the tone and the ethos of the event. The success of the event will
depend on their ability to produce a team involving pupils and staff. Everyone needs to
know in advance that this is an opportunity to begin to get to know oneself in relation to
others. Music, visuals and physical human circles of seven all help to produce an element
of mystery and wonder.
Many students in secondary school have difficulty in participating in events along with
their peers. The proper use of mood enhancing lighting can create an ambiance where
self-conscious young people are more liable to participate in this kind of event. Schools
may even consider producing small flyers advertising the mood and the ethos of the
event to ensure the maximum of impact among high school students.
Preparation
About a week before the event students and staff will be invited by the facilitator to
participate in a personal and community act of remembrance. To help to facilitate this all
will be asked to prepare their own memory box. This could include pictures and objects
that remind them of the people and places that have had an influence for good on their
lives. In the box could be included items of religious or sentimental value.
Moving to the event
On the day of the event use could be made of a poppy, ribbon, daffodil or other
appropriate symbol. Those participating will be asked to remove from their box of
remembrance this item and one other item they wish to use to help them remember.
They will be asked to move to the event venue from their classroom in silence carrying
the poppy and their personal object. Students will be encouraged to explore their
thoughts as they journey to the event in silence! We recognise how difficult this may be.
In order to highlight the value placed on silence all who enter the event will be
encouraged to place a value on silence. As they enter the hall they will have the
opportunity to make a response to the gift of silence. A collection box will be placed in an
obvious position. It should be marked on the box how the funds will be used.
Room layout
This should be a whole school discussion
Running
time
Pre-event
set-up
Mins
Activity
Staff
The room will be lit
with subdued lighting.
This might, if safe to
do so, include candles
burning. There will be
no seats in the hall
(this will help an
orderly exit and also
create a different
mood from normal
assemblies)
The students will be
directed in silence to
form circles of seven
on the floor. U2's
'Stuck in a Moment'
will be played as clips
from The Truman
Show among others
are looped
'The Sound of Silence'
Someone to direct
the lighting and
also the
participants as
they arrive
0-4
4
4-8
4
8-11
3
Reading of ‘In
Flanders Fields’
Act of remembrance
and words on screen
Reader
11-15
4
15-25
10
Personal time of
remembrance
Facilitator
25-27
2
Music 'In My Life',
The Beatles
27-31
4
31-32
1
32-47
15
Paul's song of love - 1
Corinthians 13
Lights dim, classical
music and final
ending words
Students return to
class and complete
their memory box
exercise
Direction as people
arrive
Facilitator
Facilitator
Resources
DVD Player
Laptop with
PowerPoint
projector U2
CD All That
You Can't
Leave Behind
DVD/Video The
Truman Show
Simon &
Garfunkel CD
Sounds of
Silence
DVD Player/
Laptop with
Powerpoint
Projector
CD Player,
theme music
to 'Braveheart'
DVD Player
Projector
Beatles CD,
The Beatles:
1962-1966
(Red)
Reader
DVD Player
Projector
Teacher
Guided reflection script
Silence is a gift worth exploring. Silence helps us remember. We owe much to those who
are now silent because of war, tragedy, sacrifice or accident. We need to be grateful for
memory; it gives us and others identity. Remembering helps us make the right choices.
Reading of In Flanders Fields by John McCrae and the reading from Corinthians centred
around trust.