The Red Cross emblem
An assembly role-play activity exploring the role of the Red Cross emblem, especially during conflict.
- Age: 
- 11-16 
- Subjects: 
- Citizenship, PSHE 
- Topics: 
- Humanitarianism and the Red Cross 
- Type: 
- Assembly 
For an engaging assembly, just photocopy the performance script, decide who is going to play each of the roles – young people, teachers or both. Then have a read through or rehearsal.
If you have time, you can enhance the performance by including some of the add-ons. The follow-up activities explore the emblem in more depth in class after the assembly.
Learning objectives
Learners will:
- gain an understanding of the significance of the red cross emblem, particularly in conflict situations
- learn about neutrality and impartiality in the humanitarian work of the Red Cross
- consider aspects of international humanitarian law or the 'rules of war'.
Resource overview
1. Performance
Learners read out the script in front of the assembly, with the PowerPoint slides shown in the background.
2. Discussion activity: preparing for the performance
In groups, learners discuss and add captions to the photos.
3. Chorus activity: preparing for the performance
Cast a chorus, who will present the questions and thoughts young people may have.
4. Follow-up activity: Video
Watch the short video The Story of an Idea, which tells the story of the Red Cross.
5. Follow-up activity: Poster
Learners design a poster that raises awareness of the emblems.
6. Follow-up activity: Writing
Learners imagine they are a lawyer and write a letter to someone who has misused the emblem.
7. Follow-up activity: Emblem-spotting
Learners look out for examples of the emblem and bring in photos or newspaper cuttings of any they spot.
Credits
This assembly kit was researched and written by P J White and produced in August 2006. It was revised in October 2018.
Go to:
Related teaching resources
- Introduction to humanity- A lesson plan to explore the concept of humanity with primary pupils. Suitable for ages 7 to 11. 
- Rules of war- Introduces young people to international humanitarian law principles. They can explore what the laws are, why we have them and their importance in governing what is allowed in armed conflict. Suitable for ages 14 to 19. 
- The power of humanity- An assembly kit exploring the film The Power of Humanity and celebrating the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Lesson plan with a video suitable for learners aged 11 to 19. 
- Humanitarianism and the Red Cross lesson plan- Secondary school lesson plan about humanitarianism and how it guides the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Suitable for learners aged 14 to 19.