Assemblies for KS3/4 / Summer Term Assembly Plans / Summer Solstice Assembly

More About the Summer Solstice Assembly

The 20th or 21st June is the date for the summer solstice or midsummer. The significance of the summer solstice can be explored with your students using this assembly idea.

Not only does the summer solstice represent the longest day, but it also has astronomical and spiritual significance. From giants in the Chester Midsummer Watch to watching the sunset at Glastonbury Tor, there are many events celebrating the summer solstice, some of which are discussed in the summer solstice assembly plan.

This assembly on the Summer Solstice is for use by teachers who wish to deliver a thoughtful assembly to raise awareness of the significance and the meaning of ancient celebrations. The assembly materials include a teacher script and an accompanying PowerPoint presentation to emphasise key points and provide visual aids.

The assembly looks at what the Summer Solstice is and when it occurs before exploring the historical significance of it. This takes into account astronomical, spiritual and cultural connotations. These include the ancient traditions of lighting bonfires and dancing and chanting within the spiritual significance. The origins of certain mythology relating to the Summer Solstice, or ‘Midsummer,’ are also explained. The assembly ends by asking the pupils how summer makes them feel.

The assembly resources will engage the students and the teacher will feel confident in using the materials provided. This Summer Solstice assembly also links to some topics in RE and PSHE.