Denis O'Gorman

Engaging, Bible-Based Assemblies for Key Stage 1 & 2 Bringing assemblies to life can be challenging, but with 50 Ready-to-Use Assemblies, you’ll have a collection of inspiring, easy-to-deliver sessions at your fingertips. Written by experienced assembly leader Denis O’Gorman, this book follows a simple yet effective formula: tell a story, make a point, and reinforce it with Bible teaching. Each assembly is designed to captivate young minds, encourage reflection, and deliver meaningful messages in a way that’s both accessible and memorable. Whether you're a teacher, church leader, or visitor to schools, these tried-and-tested assemblies will help you confidently engage children and leave a lasting impact. A must-have resource for anyone leading primary school assemblies! Contents All one peopleTim's gardenDon't tell GrandadThe digital cameraA wannabe pop starWatch the money growThe diveLook! No handsThe internet gameLeader of the packThe painterThe rag rugThe flashy suitAldo's horrible dinnerWearing my hatAlice in DreamlandStranger in the hallGod can make you twiceThe new familyYou made me welcomeThe great composerNino's happy smileThe holiday blunderThe big matchCaught in the actThe wrong envelopesDad's close callMissing the Test MatchThe invisible guestTubby TessaThe dreamerThe carnival queenThe milk roundThe high mountainThe silent danceDid you try your best?Grumpy Auntie MayMiss Marcek's storyGranny's fish tankPorto Paullina bus tripLate for the boatA bit of a messNot so brave!The man in yellowThe mannequinsThe song contestGet off my back!Two different auntiesThe puppy saleDon't call me stupid

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A spectacular Easter musical involving a large cast, Hosanna! Begins joyfully with Christ's entry into Jerusalem and leads through the events of Holy Week to a magnificent Pentecost finale, with colourful scenes of dancing wind and fire. The accompanying music also includes backing tracks for when musicians are not available.

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A musical version of Tolstoy's poignant story, telling how the old Russian shoemaker, Papa Panov, waits for Jesus to visit his workshop on Christmas Day. Songs, dances, action and a sprinkling of humour are all combined in this fabulous musical.-18 Named Characters-10 Unnamed characters-12 Songs To learn more about performance licensing click here.

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Poor old Artaban! He is the fourth Wise Man and is late for everything. Many times, Artaban's journey is delayed as he stops to help the poor, hungry and oppressed. Twin themes of sharing and caring combine in this lively and touching humorous Christmas musical for Key Stage 2. The large cast includes plenty of solo speaking parts and unlimited non-speaking roles. There is an opportunity for solo and small-group singing.Includes Book + Track Download

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Angels came to proclaim the Christmas message but, in this entertaining Christmas musical, there is also plenty of celestial squabbling along the way! Lots of lively songs, good dialogue and plenty of fun are guaranteed in Angels up High. It is fun-filled production which also includes the traditional Nativity scene and the FREE tracks includes demo of all songs PLUS backing tracks. Contents 01 The Angel Gabriel's Song02 Little Angels03 Just Keep Travelling On04 Something For A Rainy Day05 Won-Won-Wonderful06 Glory To God07 Nativity Music.08 Angels Up High09 The Angel Gabriel's Song (Instrumental) 10 Little Angels (Instrumental) 11 Just Keep Travelling On (Instrumental) 12 Something For A Rainy Day (Instrumental)13 Won-Won-Wonderful (Instrumental)14 Glory To God (Instrumental)15 Nativity Music (Instrumental)16 Angels Up High (Instrumental) 

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Key Stage 1 - 250 ready-to-use acts of collective worshipSimple stories, told well, convey important lessons for life. The 50 acts of worship here address some of the many issues that confront primary school children, using characters in familiar situations to portray relevant, direct messages. Topics covered include belief, war, listening to others, being kind and resisting temptation. Each act of worship includes a reading, a short piece of Scripture, suggested songs and a prayer, and is flexible enough to be condensed for when time is short. Life Matters is a reliable source for anyone involved in preparing and delivering acts of collective worship in a primary school setting, for children of all faiths and none. Contents A trouble sharedAdmitting your faultsBe grateful for what you haveBe kind to those who need youBeing conceitedBeing humbleBeing kind to othersBeing too proud of yourselfBeliefBetter to give a poundBoasting - just be yourselfCare for the lonelyCaring for GodCaring for othersChanging what doesn't seem rightCrime hurts many peopleDeceiving othersDoes it matter?Don't believe everything you readDon't lose your temperDon't speak evil of othersEveryone is importantFollowing the crowdGetting it wrongGive to those less fortunateGiving time to GodGod can't answer very prayerGod's beautiful worldGod's houseHelping the poor and weakHow the other half livesIf you haven't got anything nice to say, keep quietJudging othersKeeping our lives in tuneLove is greater than any giftMake peace, not warNo one listensResisting temptationRewarding kindnessStrictly no smokingTaking advantageTalking to GodThe alcoholicThe cost of warThe most beautiful mum in the worldTrue friendshipWe all make mistakesWho believes in God?You are never alone

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Light of the World is a celebratory Christmas musical for Juniors. In straightforward language, the joyful story of Jesus' birth is carefully retold and children will thoroughly enjoy the pace and excitement of the scenes as the familiar tale unfolds. A variety of lively and rhythmic musical styles have been used to involve the children through song, movement and dance, drawing them into a deeper understanding of why Jesus came.Includes a free CD, containing the performance and backing tracks.To learn more about performance licensing click here.

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The Way of the Cross is a new musical setting of the traditional devotion commemorating the Passion of Christ by depicting his journey as he carries his cross to his crucifixion.This contemplative and moving work may be performed in a number of ways and could be used by any denomination or group. Traditionally sung whilst moving around a set of stations, The Way of the Cross could also form the basis of a dramatic presentation in schools or churches where the participants mime the unfolding events.Others will find it beneficial for personal prayerful meditation, using the CD included.

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The Good News of the Easter story is shared very simply in this short musical. No complicated narrative, no confusing names! There are four tuneful songs and all the children join together to celebrate the joyful Easter message. Contents CastNarratorChildrenJesusPeterJohn5 friendsMary, Jesus' motherMary, friend of Jesus3 rulers5 soldiers4 servants3 PersonsCrowdSongsClap your handsDon't pretendGoodbye, Jesus, goodbyeJesus is alive!

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Key Stage 1 - 2The fourth installment in Denis O’Gorman’s hugely popular series, this book brings 50 engaging and meaningful acts of collective worship designed specifically for primary schools. Each act of worship features straightforward, relatable stories that resonate with children from all backgrounds - not just Christian - making them perfect for inclusive school settings. With a focus on universal values, moral lessons, and thought-provoking themes, these assemblies are easy to deliver and designed to capture young imaginations while encouraging reflection and discussion. A must-have resource for teachers and school leaders looking to inspire, educate, and bring students together in an engaging and accessible way. Contents A fishy storyAll they could affordAlways read the small printAs much as you wantBoco at the festivalCacky KennyGo! You've got to go!Going back to DerryveneJust as I promisedLast in the raceLost on the moorMeeting the kingNeat and tidyNo smokingStarving for a dayThe angry bowlerThe charity shopThe crystal glassThe gardener's happy surpriseThe ginger catThe gossipsThe graffitiThe haunted houseThe holiday caravanThe horrible driveThe little cottageThe lonely duck pondThe lonely lady in the parkThe missing car keysThe mouth of truthThe naughty sheepThe nosy sheepThe pickled sandwichesThe pigeons and the sparrowsThe rose gardenThe shanty-town kidsThe skinny boyThe ten-pound noteThe turbanThe turnips and the turkeyThe twinsThe warm welcomeThe wheat fieldThe York-share puddingTrying to earn Dad's praiseUncle Will's forgotten poemsWhat's a body worth?When God said, 'No'When the fence fell downYou can't have everything

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Poetry arouses feelings, sparks imagination, prompts arguments, shapes attitudes and keeps us alert to new possibilities. It is there to make us think.This collection of poems has been selected especially for use with children in schools. The poems cover a wide range of topics, including what we think about ourselves, friends, the environment, bullying and forgiveness.Highly suitable for use in any setting, some of the poems have an explicit religious theme, presented in a way that invites reflection and careful thought.This is an exciting resource of engaging and sometimes amusing poems that will help children to think about important issues. Brief commentaries and discussion questions are provided throughout to initiate discussion.Contributing Authors:Alison CarverAli DeeNick FawcettMichael ForsterBarry HartVal HawthornePaul KeebleDenis O'GormanSusan SayersBecky SilverW. L. WallaceSarah WattsContents1. A group of thieves were waiting2. A man he was praying3. All of us are different4. All of us want to be winners5. Am I somebody's son or somebody's daughter? (Who am I?)6. Are we all different or are we the same? (Are you like me?)7. Be patient8. Believe in the future9. Can I give assistance?10. Choices, choices11. Do you ever wish you could fly?12. Don't be scared of questions13. Don't bear a load on your shoulders14. Don't big yourself up15. Don't bottle things up16. Everybody says, 'It's not my fault!' (Blame somebody else!)17. Flowers in the springtime18. Forests are chopped down19. Give some thought to those you mix with20. God gave me a body21. God is good22. God is so much more23. God sends a rainbow24. Hand in hand (We can change our world)25. How can I be a good friend today?26. How do you say, 'Thank you'? (Thank you)27. I can learn28. I can play a part29. I could be a friend30. I could climb the Eiffel Tower31. I dream of a world full of peace, not despair (Dream)32. I may be small or big33. I may not be an Einstein or Isambard Brunel34. If a friend's in need and you just don't care35. If I can be strong36. If I make things up, if I tell you lies37. If only we'd stop, and look, and see38. If you were stripy or dotty (Stripy dotty friends)39. If you're feeling kind of lonely40. If you're feeling worried, troubled41. In this world it's not hard to spot42. Is there a reason behind why we're here?43. It's good to pray44. Let's be green45. Let's have a minute's silence46. Let's take care of our body47. Life is for living now48. Many people worship49. My Granny and Granddad50. People see things this way51. Prayer's like talking on a mobile phone52. Reach for the sky53. 'Roar, roar,' said the lion54. Some are full of action55. Some people say, 'The world's too small'56. Someone in the world is hungry57. Someone near is hurting58. Sometimes my head is busy and buzzy (Heartbeat)59. Stuff!60. There are lots of things (It's good to be me!)61. There's a man we see in town62. There's a word63. There's too much hurting, too many tears64. This is the place where we are safe and free (School Song)65. Though we come from different places66. Try, try, try it again67. What shall I do with today?68. When a challenge starts off easy69. When I fail to be the person70. When I feel nervous, when I feel scared (Friendship)71. When Jesus was my age72. When someone shows a little act of kindness73. When you're feeling nervous, when you're feeling scared74. Who cares for carers?75. Yes, the journey of life76. You can't always have what you want

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Breaking news! A child is born in Bethlehem! This entertaining new musical based on the Nativity story is told in the format of a live news broadcast. Interviews with a wide range of characters are interspersed with some really catchy songs. A fun and up-beat musical for Key Stages 1-2. CD includes both demo and backing tracks with colourful instrumentals.

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Key Stage 1 - 250 ready-to-use acts of collective worship for primary schools.Entirely fresh material which enables the busy teacher to present outstanding assemblies with minimum preparation. As before there's a theme, suggested visual aids and songs and prayers.Suitable for Key Stage 1-2

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This Biblical Lenten Course has many questions but no written answers. These will come from the children themselves. Having shared the Scripture readings with children in his Bible class, Denis O'Gorman raised questions and asked them for their comments."The eagerness and the 'hands up' responses were amazing." With songs, questions and prayers, we hope that your Bible sessions for children will come alive as well.

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