Assemblies - do we have to do them?

[mumnosbest]

The assembly rota is out and all teaching staff are on it. I've never done one before and hate speaking in front of large crowds. I can't find anything in the teachers pay and conditions or job description. Do we have to do them?

It's always been part of expectation in every school I've taught in. After all, if people start opting out, then it comes round more frequently for the rest.
Do you mean a class assembly, or just you ?
Are other staff in ?
Are you Primary or Secondary ?
Does it include parents ?
What is the pattern of what is expected?

It's a common expectation.
I think it's also something worth working on because there are other situations where you'll need to talk to groups.

OP, I really hate doing it but it does get easier.

It's a requirement at my school too.

It's really not that bad once you've done a few. Can you choose your own topic or do you have to do what's on the rota?

Can you get students to give a presentation? Ours adore doing this - on charities, topical issues, trips they've been on, etc.

Get a YouTube clip and a few students to top and tail it.

I think it comes under the general "teachers are required to do whatever the job entails" part of the job description, rather than anything specific.

I think that everyone should have to do it as part of their wider role within a school. It's scary the first time you do it, but there are ways of making it less scary, as others have suggested. You could involve the children, or bring in a visitor, show a slideshow, read a story, make a video in advance with the children and show that etc.

We don't have to present anything new in my school, but we take it in turns to do the giving out of various certificates. I was very nervous when I first did it but as a result threw a lot of energy at it (nothing's worse than someone nervous and mumbling - fake it!). The main problem was mispronouncing the kids names, but everyone does that!

I detest doing assemblies-it's my absolute worst part of the job!

Primary or secondary? If it's secondary, just write a script and get your class to do it. There must be a primary alternative to this? Brief intro then some singing from your class?

I actually like doing Chapel/assembly. I think it is a really uplifting start to the day, if done well, and I know students feel the same.

I tend to look at what is topical around the date and go from there. If it's an assembly, I write it and get the students to deliver. If it's Chapel, I will do the preaching, but have students do the reading and prayers.

I think most teachers are expected to do this, yes. As pp have said, an excellent way to ease the pressure is to involve the kids. Get them to read things, present awards, make little video clips, sing a song, play a daft game, act out a script.
Anything really so it's not just you standing up there on your own!

I don't think it is an unacceptable request for teachers to all be on an assembly rota - and I say this as someone who doesn't enjoy doing them.
As everyone says, either involve the pupils or just be well prepared and look upon it as great CPD. The more you do the easier it gets.

I'm a piano player, so I've been able to come off the assemblies rota - but only because I do a singing assembly every week.

When I was on the rota I found a book of assemblies and dipped into them. And yes, the kids love being involved so def use them as a resource!