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British values: The rule of law

In short...

Themes: SMSC - British values; society; citizenship; rules; laws; justice.

Summary: This assembly could be scheduled at the beginning of the academic year, or at the start of a new term, as a part of a discussion about the rules we have in school. Countries that observe 'the rule of law' hold it as a principle that everyone is equal before the law. The actions of governments or rulers can be challenged in court; in a fair society no-one is above the law.

Resources: The , an image of in London.

The video

Pupils Amelie and Daniel share the rules of their school: 'We are: kind, polite, safe, hardworking and sensible.' Daniel wonders what life would be like without rules. Their Headteacher, Mr King, thinks we need rules to keep us safe and avoid chaos. Amelie and Daniel visit The Royal Courts of Justice to speak to judge Tan Ikram. He says without laws, life would be miserable. 'But what if a law is unfair?' Amelie asks, remembering Rosa Parks' struggle to overturn laws in America that treated black people and white people differently. The judge agrees unjust laws should be changed, but says judges simply apply the laws that we have. Our laws do change over time, and have developed over hundreds of years to keep society fair.

Duration: 4' 31"

End of speech: 'The rule of law is basically what keeps our society together and what helps us live a happy life.'

Video questions

What is the building that Daniel says 'looks like something out of Harry Potter'? (The Royal Courts of Justice - see 'Key links' for an image)
What happens if you break a rule at Amelie and Daniel's school? (You get a red card)
What is Judge Tan Ikram's full title? (Deputy Senior District Judge)
Who started a campaign on a bus to change laws in America that treated black people unfairly? (Rosa Parks)
Can you complete the set of rules they follow at Chase Bridge? 'We are…' ('Kind, polite, safe, hardworking and sensible')

Key links

Download / print the assembly framework ready for use

Assembly framework

Click to display the image full-size

Image: The Royal Courts of Justice in London

Who needs rules? Voxpops 1

Who needs rules? Voxpops 2

Suggested framework

1. Entry music
Perhaps choose 'A change is gonna come' by Sam Cooke, which links to the story of Rosa Parks, mentioned in the video clip. Or you could choose another song from the American Civil Rights movement.

2. Introduction
Tell the assembly: 'The song you heard - 'A change is gonna come' - is a song from the 1960s about the need to change unfair laws in America at that time. You'll find out a bit more about those laws when we watch today's video.' Tell the children: 'Today, our assembly is all about laws and rules.' Ask: 'What rules do you have at school or at home?' [Gather suggestions]. Now ask: 'Wouldn't it be great if we didn't have any rules?' [Again, gather responses, which might include: 'It would be fun, but soon things would get out of control' / 'We wouldn't be able to play any games: all games need rules and they're no fun if you don't stick to them' / 'If there were no rules, we wouldn't be safe' / 'Who would deal with the bullies if there were no rules?' / etc.] Introduce today's video clip, with: 'Let's see what happened when two children set out to discover more about our rules and laws…'

3. The video
Play the video. The duration is 04' 31" and the final words are: 'The rule of law is basically what keeps our society together and what helps us live a happy life.'

4. After the video
You could use the video questions and answers (above right) to help pupils focus on details from the video clip.

5. Time to talk
Display the image of The Royal Courts of Justice (see 'Key links'). Ask: 'How do you feel about rules and laws now?' Guide the pupils' responses towards the conclusion that families, schools and countries all need rules - to make sure we are all treated fairly. Rules help us live peacefully together. As well as taking contributions from the assembly, you might like to play the 'Who needs rules? Vox Pops 1' audio clip (see 'Related links' below) and gather your pupil's reactions to that. Ask: 'If you could make up a law or a rule, what would it be?' Encourage pupils to briefly discuss their ideas with the person next to them, before listening to the 'Who Needs Rules? Vox Pops 2' audio clip (see 'Related links'). Gather some of your pupils' suggestions for new rules or laws. The assembly could vote by a show of hands for their top three favourite ideas.

6. Opportunity to sing
If your assembly is to include a song this would be a good time for it. Suggestions from Â鶹ԼÅÄ collections below.

7. Opportunity to reflect
Make sure everyone is still and listening carefully. 'The rules we make keep us safe and help us live and learn. Without them, life would be unfair. What can you do to make sure everyone is treated fairly?'

8. Opportunity for prayer
Use your standard form of address ('Dear God', 'Lord Jesus', etc) and: ‘We thank you for the rules and laws that keep us safe and treated fairly. Help us to value and respect them and to treat others fairly. Amen.'

Suggested songs

Down by the riverside

Keep the golden rules - Vocal