Maggie Aderin-Pocock Assembly for Primary Schools – Resilience
Updated: Aug 27
This Maggie Aderin-Pocock assembly for primary schools explores the inspiring story of the British space scientist and the challenges she overcame to achieve her ambitions. Through discussion and reflection, pupils learn how Maggie was underestimated as a child but refused to give up on her dreams. Children are encouraged to explore the value of resilience and consider how perseverance can help them overcome difficulties and work towards their own goals.
Suitable for EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
Who is Maggie Aderin-Pocock?
Maggie Aderin-Pocock is a British space scientist who has worked on major space and satellite projects and has become well known for sharing her enthusiasm for science with others.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Maggie developed a fascination with space from an early age and loved looking at the stars. However, her journey towards becoming a scientist was not always straightforward.
Maggie was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was young, attended 13 different schools and was often underestimated by her teachers. When she told them that she wanted to become an astronaut, rather than encouraging her ambition, she was advised to consider something easier.
Despite these challenges, Maggie continued to pursue her interest in science and space, providing children with a powerful example of what can happen when we refuse to let difficulties or other people's expectations define what we can achieve.
What has Maggie Aderin-Pocock achieved?
Maggie worked hard to pursue her passion for science, eventually gaining a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. She has gone on to work as a space scientist and on major satellite projects.
Her career has also given her opportunities to inspire young people and encourage them to develop their own interest in science and space.
In 2009, Maggie received an MBE, a remarkable achievement for someone who had once been underestimated at school. Her story encourages children to recognise that the difficulties they experience when they are young do not have to limit what they can achieve in the future.
What can Maggie Aderin-Pocock teach children about resilience?
The main value explored in this assembly is resilience.
Maggie's experiences show children that success does not always come easily. She experienced difficulties with dyslexia, moved between many different schools and was discouraged from pursuing her ambitions. Yet she continued to work towards the future she wanted.
During the assembly, pupils consider how Maggie showed perseverance and are encouraged to think about times when they have kept going with something they found difficult.
Her story also provides an opportunity to discuss the danger of underestimating other people. Every child has potential, and somebody finding one aspect of learning difficult does not tell us what they might eventually be capable of achieving.
Why is Maggie Aderin-Pocock a good role model for children?
Maggie's story combines science, ambition and resilience in a way that children can relate to.
Rather than presenting success as something that happened easily, the assembly explores both the struggles and achievements in her life. Pupils discover that someone who faced difficulties at school went on to build a successful career in science.
Children are also encouraged to think about their own ambitions. Using a quote from Maggie about the potential within each of us, pupils reflect on their big goals for the future and consider what they might be capable of achieving.
This makes the assembly particularly useful during British Science Week, although its themes of resilience, perseverance and aspiration make it suitable for use throughout the school year.
What does the Bible teach about overcoming challenges?
For schools choosing to use the optional collective worship elements, this assembly links Maggie's experiences to the story of Moses and the Burning Bush in Exodus 3–4.
When God asks Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses doubts himself and worries that he cannot speak well enough. God reassures Moses that he will be with him and gives him his brother Aaron to help.
The story helps children consider an important aspect of resilience: we do not have to be perfect to achieve something, and asking for or accepting help can be part of overcoming a challenge. Pupils are encouraged to think about something they find difficult and identify the people who could support them.
This assembly includes:
A ready-to-use PowerPoint
A clear, easy-to-follow script
An introduction to Maggie Aderin-Pocock and her achievements
Key vocabulary
An interactive planets activity
Discussion and reflection questions
Optional collective worship slides
A linked Bible story and prayer
Ideas for extending the learning throughout the week
FAQs
Who is Maggie Aderin-Pocock?
Maggie Aderin-Pocock is a British space scientist and science communicator. Despite experiencing challenges during her education, including dyslexia and being underestimated by teachers, she pursued her passion for science and built a successful career.
What value does this Maggie Aderin-Pocock assembly explore?
The main value is resilience. Children explore how Maggie continued to pursue her ambitions despite the difficulties she experienced and consider how they can show perseverance when something feels challenging.
Can I use this assembly for British Science Week?
Yes. The combination of Maggie's career as a space scientist and the focus on resilience makes this a particularly useful British Science Week assembly for primary schools. The final challenge can also be adapted if you are delivering the assembly at another point in the year.
Is this assembly suitable for children with dyslexia?
Maggie's experience of dyslexia forms an important part of her story. The assembly highlights how she was underestimated at school but went on to achieve remarkable things, helping children recognise that difficulties with one aspect of learning should never be used to underestimate someone's potential.
Does the assembly include collective worship?
Yes. Optional collective worship slides link the theme to Moses and the Burning Bush, exploring self-doubt, accepting support and finding the strength to face challenges. A prayer is also provided.
Do I need to plan anything for this assembly?
No, all of our assemblies are ready-to-deliver. Simply download, read the plan and deliver. The slides are fully editable if you would like to personalise the assembly or extend the learning further.
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