Children are welcomed into a stimulating and caring environment where their skills are nurtured and developed.  Each child is valued as an individual and their personal and social development is central to everything we do.

The curriculum is based on the Early Learning Goals which include:

• Communication, Language and Literacy
• Mathematics
• Personal and social development
• Physical development
• Creative development
• Knowledge and understanding of the World

Through our religious education programme we develop children's love and respect for one another.

We concentrate on the early reading, writing and number skills in the mornings.  Continuing the Jolly Phonics scheme introduced in the nursery, children read every day and are encouraged to develop a love of books.

We have specialist teachers for Speech, Spanish & French, Music and P.E.  We also have weekly swimming lessons at Edgbaston Priory Club. 

At Keystage 1 we provide a stimulating learning environment with the main emphasis on reading, comprehension, writing, speaking and listening, spelling and mathematics.

Our Jolly Phonics programme which begins in Kindergarten continues through Years 1 and 2 and incorporates grammar.

The curriculum is broadened and enriched through French, Spanish, ICT, Science, Geography, History, Music, Art, Design and Technology and P.E. including weekly swimming lessons throughout the year.  Specialist teachers are provided for Music, Modern Foreign Languages and swimming lessons.

Children’s personal and social development is integral in all areas of the curriculum.  We welcome all faiths and Religious Education is based on bible stories and the teaching of Jesus, showing the children how to love and respect one another.

We provide a range of clubs and activities such as Speech and Drama, Musical Instruments, Art, French, Chess and ICT.

 

Each child is valued; we operate positive reward systems to encourage good behaviour and a positive attitude to work.  Children are rewarded through praise, stars and certificates.

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Year 3 is the first year of Key Stage 2.  The class teacher teaches the children for all core subjects as well as most of the foundation subjects with the exception of Music, Modern Foreign Languages and Physical Education where they will receive subject specialist teaching.

The core subjects build and expand on the children's knowledge acquired in previous years. They will also be introduced to new concepts in Numeracy, which are taken from the National Numeracy Strategy. In Literacy, they will be introduced to new objectives from the National Literacy Strategy including work at Word Level, Sentence Level and Text Level.

In Year 3, the children have the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities within the school day and after school. These include Art club, Computer club, Cross Country and Football coaching.

As part of the school week, the children will attend whole school assemblies, Key Stage assemblies and Class assemblies. They will prepare and perform in their own class assembly. This gives the children a valuable experience of performing in front of other school members, teachers, parents and other family members, as they are invited to share in this special occasion.

For some children they will be receiving First Holy Communion - the next important step in the development of their faith. This occasion is celebrated with the whole school, parents and family members.

By the time pupils enter Year 4 they will encounter for the first time specialist teachers in the core subjects ( English, Mathematics and Science). Other curriculum subjects such as Music, P.E. and Modern Foreign Languages are also taught by specialist teachers.

In Year 4 we promote the idea of becoming an independent learner. This is only achieved through the support and encouragement of an experienced staff member who works with pupils to reach their full potential.

We have pupils from overseas who find the friendly environment in our school soon helps them to settle quickly into the school routine.

The pupils participate in an extensive extra-curricular programme which includes many sporting and creative activities.

Personalised learning takes place in Year 5 to ensure that every pupil reaches his or her full potential. Every child is encouraged to work to the best of their ability in a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment. Not only is excellent support given to those children who have learning difficulties but also to the high attainers in order to stretch them, including preparation for the 11+ and other selective entrance exams that take place in the first half of Year 6.

To enhance their learning, specialist teaching continues in the core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science and ICT) and also Music and Modern Foreign Languages.

To further enrich and extend pupils' learning and experience, there is an extensive extra-curricular programme of activities, and cross-curricular trips are organised every term, including theatre visits.

Year 6 currently has two class groups. This ensures that pupil numbers are such that children, who have special requirements, receive the extra support they need; either in the classroom situation or from our special needs expert who is based in our Learning Enrichment Centre.

At the same time we are able to challenge and encourage children of high academic ability to achieve their best results. Children in this category are prepared for 11+ entrance examinations and SATs through specialist teaching provided regularly. Pupils are also given the option of after school tuition in mathematics, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and creative writing.

In Year 6 pupils have already had two years experience of moving around the school in order to attend lessons by specialist teachers. We encourage independence and mature organisational skills and view this as good preparation to facilitate a smooth transition to senior school. Performing the duties of prefects, librarians, house captains, team captains are just some of the roles and responsibilities of Year 6 pupils.

We value each pupil as an individual and children are encouraged to follow a range of activities from learning any musical instrument to sporting activities. Every Year 6 pupil has the opportunity to take part in the Leaver's Production, a source of great enjoyment and pride. Drama features highly in Priory School and all children are encouraged to develop their confidence through participating in such events. We see our annual trip to the Outdoor Activity Centre, Kingswood, as a wonderful opportunity for children to experience a range of exciting activities in a safe, secure environment.

The final year in Preparatory School is busy and action packed. We work hard and we play hard!

All pupils are closely monitored in their classrooms and if any specific learning difficulties are identified that require specific support intervention will be undertaken in order that pupils learn at an optimum level. The majority of pupils are catered for in the classroom by teachers who have regular in-service training on teaching pupils with a wide variety of abilities.

Further intervention may be undertaken in small groups in the recently refurbished lodge. We also offer one-to-one tuition to pupils who may require this at an additional fee. Teachers from the Dyslexia Institute visit on a regular basis and can provide specialist tuition for pupils.

Priory School provides for a wide range of learning difficulties including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and communication difficulties.

Pastoral care is a top Priority within the Preparatory School - Happy children learn more readily.  Each child is valued and known as an individual.  We pride ourselves on the close relationship we build up between home and school.  We have a family atmosphere.  Staff know all the children and create a happy, caring environment where children can flourish.  If a child has a concern they are encouraged to tell a teacher and we try to nip it in the bud.

Priory Preparatory School provides a range of extra-curricular activities both during the school day and in after school clubs.  These include:

French

Chess

Football

Cross Country

Dance

Ballet

Orchestra

Cricket

Netball

Circuit training

Drama

Computer

Choir

Fencing

Tap dancing

Instrumental tuition

 The Gifted and Talented are defined by the DFES as a cohort of between 5% and 10% of a school’s population who excel in either the core curriculum subjects or display potential in Art, Music, PE or the Performing Arts.

At Priory School we aim to invest heavily in the pursuit of excellence and achievement for all our children. We all have the ability to shine in some way, given the right opportunities, experiences and support. We ensure that children who have a particular gift or talent are exposed to extra challenges. We offer a wider curriculum choice so that more young people are motivated by study that stretches and interests them. Initiatives so far have included Saturday clubs, university link days and field trips.

In class, a variety of strategies are being utilised to stretch our high achievers: challenge tables, puzzle clubs and critical thinking.  At Preparatory level children identified as potential grammar school candidates are given extra tuition and support whilst at Senior level many students take GCSEs a year early or study an Open University module during their A-level course.