Times and Places - Moving On - An end of year assembly
Updated: Aug 27
This Moving On assembly for primary schools uses the simple example of a pencil to help children reflect on their journey through the school year and prepare for the next chapter ahead. Through discussion and reflection, pupils explore how challenges help us grow, why mistakes are an important part of learning and how our experiences shape who we become. Children are encouraged to think about the strengths they have developed this year and to move forward with confidence, resilience and hope.
Assembly Theme: HOPE
Suitable for EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
Why do we find moving on difficult?
As one school year ends and another begins, children often experience a mixture of emotions. They may feel excited about new opportunities whilst also feeling nervous about change, uncertainty or leaving behind familiar routines and friendships.
Moving on is something everyone experiences throughout their lives. Whether it is changing class, moving school, starting a new job or facing a new challenge, transitions can bring both excitement and worry.
Helping children to reflect positively on change can support their emotional wellbeing, build resilience and encourage them to see new experiences as opportunities for growth rather than something to fear.
What can a pencil teach us about life?
At first glance, a pencil might seem like an unusual object to base an assembly around. However, pencils can teach us some surprisingly important lessons about learning, growing and moving on.
Children explore five key lessons from a simple school pencil:
Pencils need sharpening
Just as pencils become sharper through a difficult process, challenges and setbacks often help us become stronger, wiser and more resilient.
Pencils make mistakes
Every pencil comes with a rubber because mistakes are a normal part of learning. Children reflect on how mistakes help us improve and why nobody needs to be perfect.
Pencils leave a mark
Every action we take leaves an impression on the people around us. Children consider the positive impact they have had on their classmates, teachers and wider school community throughout the year.
What's inside matters most
The most important part of a pencil is hidden inside. Similarly, qualities such as kindness, honesty, courage and compassion are far more important than appearance or achievement.
Pencils keep going
As pencils become shorter through use, they continue to serve their purpose. Children are reminded that every experience, challenge and success becomes part of who they are and helps prepare them for whatever comes next.
Why are mistakes important?
Many children worry about getting things wrong. However, mistakes are one of the most powerful ways that we learn and grow.
Throughout the assembly, pupils are encouraged to reflect on the challenges they have faced during the school year and recognise the progress they have made. By understanding that mistakes, setbacks and difficult experiences are all part of learning, children can develop greater confidence and resilience.
This message is particularly important as children prepare for new classes, new teachers and, for some, the move to secondary school.
What does the Bible say about moving on?
The assembly explores the words of the prophet Isaiah:
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!"Isaiah 43:18-19
These words were originally spoken to people who were worried about the future and looking back at happier times. Isaiah reminds them not to become stuck in the past, but instead to remain open to the new opportunities and experiences that lie ahead.
For children preparing to move on, this message offers reassurance that whilst memories and experiences remain important, every ending can also become a new beginning.
Why is reflecting on growth important?
At the end of the school year, children often focus on what they still find difficult or what they wish they had done differently.
This assembly encourages pupils to pause and recognise just how much they have grown. Whether through their learning, friendships, confidence or character, every child has developed in ways that may not always be immediately obvious.
By taking time to reflect on their journey, children can move forward with greater confidence, knowing that they are not starting again—they are building on everything they have already achieved.
This assembly includes:
A ready-to-use PowerPoint
A clear, easy-to-follow script
Discussion questions
Optional collective worship slides
A linked Bible message and prayer
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.
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