Assembly: What I Am Is…
Celebrating individuality, confidence and challenging stereotypes
Bigfoot’s What I Am Is… assembly is a fun, fast-paced and empowering introduction to celebrating who we are and what makes each of us unique. Bursting with energy, colour and humour and set to the uplifting Sesame Street & Will.I.Am song “What I Am”, this assembly invites pupils to explore what makes them special, confident and capable of anything they set their minds to.
Led by a Bigfoot facilitator dressed in a wonderfully over-the-top mix of clothes, the session immediately captures attention and sparks curiosity. Through interactive questions, games and lively discussion, pupils share words that describe their own strengths, talents and personal qualities, from kindness and courage to creativity and honesty, building a “wall of brilliance” that celebrates individuality.
The assembly challenges stereotypes around gender, interests and identity, using humour and surprising historical facts to show that our clothes, hobbies or colours don’t define us, our character does. Pupils discover that anyone, regardless of gender or background, can become anything they dream of: a scientist, dancer, engineer, designer or explorer.
Ending with a powerful reminder that it’s who we are on the inside that counts, What I Am Is… encourages every child to celebrate their individuality, value the differences in others, and believe in their limitless potential.
This inspiring assembly sets the stage for Bigfoot’s follow-up drama workshop, where pupils dig deeper into self-expression, confidence and breaking down stereotypes through creative performance and collaboration.
What I Am Is… Workshops (KS1 & KS2)
Exploring individuality, challenging stereotypes, and celebrating personal strengths
Following the inspiring What I Am Is… assembly, Bigfoot’s follow-up workshops give pupils the chance to dig deeper into what makes them unique while tackling the idea of stereotypes head-on. Through drama, discussion, and creative reflection, pupils discover that their strengths, ambitions and identities are not defined by gender, background or expectations, but by who they truly are.
Set to the uplifting song “What I Am” by Will.I.Am and Sesame Street, the session begins with inclusive games and activities that help pupils work together respectfully and confidently. Facilitators then guide pupils through an exploration of what a stereotype is, using playful movement and drama exercises to highlight how assumptions about gender, age, or occupation can limit people’s potential.
From here, children reflect on their own qualities in the Strengths and Growth activity, celebrating what they’re already great at while identifying new skills or traits they want to develop. KS1 pupils use colourful “What I Am” clouds to illustrate their ideas, while KS2 pupils create personal Strength and Growth Cards they can keep and revisit as they continue to grow.
Building on this self-awareness, pupils learn about positive role models who have broken stereotypes, from athletes and scientists to artists and explorers. In small groups, they create short performances or adverts to educate others about gender equality, inclusion, and the power of individuality, reinforcing that we can either change the world, or let the world change us.
The workshop closes with reflection and open conversation, allowing pupils to share what they’ve learned, express their hopes, and consider what small changes they can make to promote equality and confidence in themselves and others.
By the end of What I Am Is…, every child leaves with a stronger sense of self, a deeper understanding of how stereotypes can hold people back, and the belief that they can achieve anything they put their minds to, simply by being proud of who they are.
This assembly and workshop programme perfectly supports your PSHE work and further work around Diversity & Inclusion. You may also look to book Gender Stereotypes when celebrating Diversity Week in your school.
30 minute assembly, followed by 1-hour workshops for up to 4 classes from KS1 & KS2.
