Assemblies & Public Speaking
Every student at TOWIS speaks in front of an audience. Public speaking is one of the most important life skills we can give a young person — and at TOWIS, it begins in the earliest years and develops through every stage of school.
Our weekly school assembly, led by the Principal, brings the whole community together. Themes are carefully chosen to connect academic learning to the wider world — exploring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, global perspectives, leadership, human rights, and what it means to take action. Students are not passive listeners. They are the presenters.
Primary Assemblies
Each primary class leads one assembly per year, directed by the homeroom teacher. This year, primary students explored the theme of Endangered Species, linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students prepared displays, delivered spoken presentations, and — in some classes — brought their learning to life through drama, including performances of scenes from plays and passages from Shakespeare. Standing in front of the school, finding their voice, and presenting with confidence: this is Character and Engagement in action.
Secondary Assemblies
Secondary students lead group assemblies built around the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This year, presentations included research into World War Two — exploring the causes, consequences, and the human stories behind the conflict — as well as investigations into global issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. By Year 11, students deliver individual assemblies, developing the independent public speaking confidence they will need for university interviews, careers, and civic life.
Leadership Assemblies
A dedicated series of assemblies focused on Leaders and Leadership gave students the opportunity to research and present on figures who changed the world — from Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai to Marie Curie and Greta Thunberg. Students were encouraged to explore what leadership means beyond power and position: influence, example, and service to others. These assemblies connected directly to the election of our Student Council, House Captains, and Head Boy and Head Girl.
What assemblies develop
- Confidence in public speaking and presenting to an audience
- Research, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly
- Awareness of global issues, human rights, and the UN SDGs
- Creativity — through drama, visual displays, music, and multimedia presentations
- The Student Profile qualities of Confidence, Communication, and Engagement