The same but different: assembly plan
Celebrate our differences and similarities with this assembly plan, created for World Mental Health Day 2020.

Explore the concept of diversity and how our differences make us special with this assembly, written to be delivered around World Mental Health Day.
Using this resource
This resource is designed for:
- All primary school children
- Use with whole school, key stage or year groups – to be delivered as appropriate for the social distancing in place in schools
This assembly plan is written as part of the Mentally Healthy Schools World Mental Health day 2020 resources. It can be used alongside the following resources:
- Lesson plan for ages 4 to 5
- Lesson plan for ages 5 to 8
- Lesson plan for ages 9 to 11
- 20 World Mental Health Day activity ideas
Curriculum links
England |
Understanding the world People and communities: • Children know about similarities and differences between themselves and others, and among families, communities and traditions. (Foundation) Living in the Wider World (KS1) • to recognise the ways they are the same as, and different to, other people Living in the Wider World (KS2) • to value the different contributions that people and groups make to the community • about diversity: what it means; the benefits of living in a diverse community; • about valuing diversity within communities |
Northern Ireland |
PERSONAL UNDERSTANDING AND HEALTH Pupils should be enabled to explore: • themselves and their personal attributes; (Foundation) MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING IN THE LOCAL AND WIDER COMMUNITY Pupils should be enabled to explore: • similarities and differences between groups of people; (Foundation) • similarities and differences between people; (KS1) • valuing and celebrating cultural difference and diversity; (KS2) |
Scotland |
Social wellbeing • I recognise that each individual has a unique blend of abilities and needs. I contribute to making my school community one which values individuals equally and is a welcoming place for all. |
Wales |
Humanities - Human societies are complex and diverse, and shaped by human actions and beliefs. I can show an awareness of who I am and that I am similar and different to others. (Progression step 1) I am beginning to develop my awareness of similarities and differences between people. (Progression step 1) I can explore my identity and compare it with those of others, recognising that society is made up of diverse groups, beliefs and viewpoints. (Progression step 2) I have explored and am aware of diversity in communities. (Progression step 2) I can describe and explain the ways in which my life is similar and different to others, and I understand that not everyone shares the same experiences, beliefs and viewpoints. (Progression step 3) |
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