No Outsiders Assembly – Norwegian Row
Today in our No Outsiders assembly, we explored a wonderful story about the famous "Norwegian Row" – a tradition where thousands of Norwegian football supporters row together with imaginary oars while chanting to encourage their team.
At first, we looked closely at photographs and shared our ideas about what we could see and what might be happening. As we learnt more, the children discovered that the rowing isn't really about football at all – it's about belonging, working together, supporting one another and making everyone feel included.
We talked about how people from many different countries and football teams now join in the rowing, and how the tradition has grown into a symbol of friendship, unity and celebrating differences. We even had great fun trying the Norwegian Row ourselves! There was lots of laughter, teamwork and smiling as we all joined in together.
The children reflected on how it felt to row together, describing feelings such as being connected, included, proud, happy and part of something bigger than themselves.
We finished by linking our learning to our No Outsiders ethos, the British Value of Mutual Respect, and our own school vision of Growing Together in Ambition, Confidence and Kindness. It was a lovely reminder that everyone belongs at Sidlesham, everyone has something valuable to contribute, and we are strongest when we work together.
You might like to ask your child:
- What is the Norwegian Row?
- How did it feel when everyone rowed together?
- Why do you think people from different countries and teams join in?
- How can we make sure that nobody feels like an outsider at our school?