Assemblies for KS3/4 / Summer Term Assembly Plans / World Press Freedom Day Assembly

World Press Freedom Day

This assembly resource on World Press Freedom Day for teachers is a great way of teaching students about the role that the press has in today’s society. It also links to topics within subjects such as PSHE, Citizenship and History.

The assembly script begins by introducing quotes from Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. By asking the students for their response, the assembly immediately gets students engaged and involved in discussion, making their minds work straight away. Important facts about the media in general are conveyed, before going on to discuss how World Press Freedom Day began in 1993. With this it also highlights the recognition given to journalists who have lost their lives whilst reporting, such as in Russia, the Balkans and Iraq.

With the meaning of World Press Freedom Day established, students reflect on what it means to have free press. The assembly resource finishes with another quote, this taken from Albert Einstein, that outlines the importance of everyone having a voice.