What is Picture News?
At Jennett’s Park CE Primary School, we use Picture News as part of our personal development, collective worship and classroom discussions. Picture News helps children make sense of the world around them by exploring current news stories in a way that is engaging, balanced and suitable for primary-aged pupils.
Each week, children are introduced to a real-life news story and a linked“Big Question” designed to encourage thoughtful discussion, critical thinking and respectful debate. Recent topics have included artificial intelligence, school lunches, homelessness and inspiring individuals making a difference in their communities.
Picture News supports children to:
- Understand local, national and global events.
- Develop their speaking and listening skills.
- Consider different viewpoints respectfully.
- Explore British values and personal responsibility.
- Build confidence in discussing important issues that affect society.
The aim is not to tell children what to think, but to help them learn how to think critically, ask questions and form their own informed opinions. Picture News also provides opportunities to discuss values such as kindness, fairness, democracy, respect and helping others.
Many of the weekly discussions continue beyond the classroom, and we encourage families to talk about the featured Big Questions at home. These conversations help children deepen their understanding and develop confidence in expressing their ideas.
By connecting learning to the real world, Picture News helps our children become thoughtful, informed and active citizens of the future.