Assembly: Being someone else

Teacher notes

**This assembly is most appropriate for upper KS2, KS3 and above. Please read the notes here before teaching.** There are clear links to PSHE in all key stages from KS2 upwards. This lesson introduces 13-year-old London teen Imogen in this film. **Please note:** Since the film was made, Imogen is now a non-binary young person aged 15; uses the pronouns they/them and the name Arlo. You may want to explore these details with your learners before sharing the assembly or as a follow up, using one of Arlo's lesson plans. Arlo is autistic. Their film explores how they struggled at school and was excluded. Arlo uses cosplay as a coping mechanism, creating their own characters and designing and making costumes, a form of self-expression. **Arlo's film includes one section at the beginning where they jab the table with scissors when they feel overwhelmed; a kind of coping strategy. We explore this in more detail in the lesson plan 'Neurodiversity and self expression'.** Sensitivity will be required for students that are affected by any of the themes of this lesson, including school exclusion. The website https://www.autism.org.uk/ is a further place of support. **Lyfta Core themes:** Culture and Identity, Health and Wellbeing, Learning and Growth, Relationships. **Lyfta Core Skills and Values** Conflict Resolution, Coping Methods, Creativity & Innovation, Design Thinking, Empathy & developing multiple perspectives, Healthy Living, Self-Discipline & Self-Regulation. **SDGs:** 3, 4. **National Curriculum Objectives:** KS2 PSHE H25/ H27. about personal identity; individuality and personal qualities H26. that for some people gender identity does not correspond with their biological sex assigned at birth H28. to identify personal strengths, skills, achievements & interests and how these contribute to sense of self-worth R32. about respecting the differences and similarities between people L8. about diversity: what it means; benefits of living in diverse communities KS3 PSHE H1. how we are all unique; recognising/ demonstrating personal strengths build self-confidence, self-esteem and good health and wellbeing H2. to understand what can affect wellbeing and resilience H4. simple strategies to help build resilience H10. a range of healthy coping strategies and ways to promote wellbeing KS4 PSHE H2. how self-confidence self-esteem, and mental health are affected positively and negatively by internal and external influences H4. strategies to build resilience, how they think about themselves H5. characteristics of mental and emotional health; develop empathy and understanding H6. about change and its impact on mental health and wellbeing; recognise need for emotional support during life changes and/or difficult experience