The English Department believes that all education should be humane and humanising and that the study of English should be supremely so. Students should be able to use language in speaking and listening, reading and writing effectively and with informed understanding.

By the study and enjoyment of literature a pupil should learn to know and understand their place in the world through other eyes than just their own.

Languages are part of the cultural richness of our society and the world in which we live and work. Learning languages contributes to mutual understanding, a sense of global citizenship and personal fulfilment. Pupils learn to appreciate different countries, cultures, communities and people. By making comparisons, they gain insight into their own culture and society. The ability to understand and communicate in another language is a lifelong skill for education, employment and leisure in this country and throughout the world.

 

Learning languages gives pupils opportunities to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and to express themselves with increasing confidence, independence and creativity. They explore the similarities and differences between other languages and English and learn how language can be manipulated and applied in different ways. The development of communication skills, together with understanding of the structure of language, lay the foundations for future study of other languages and support the development of literacy skills in a pupil’s own language.

The media are a central element of modern life in technological economies. They have a crucial role in such economies by providing information about the world, creating opportunities for commerce and offering pleasure and entertainment in mediated forms.

 

The course allows students to systematically study modern media production through both the work of media organizations and through their own work in creating meanings in a range of modes.

 

The main focus of study is the analysis of popular media texts (genre, narrative and representation) and the nature of different audiences and organizations (marketing, regulation and controls, celebrities, reception and influence).

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 our learning enrichment centre. 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.

If you wish to contact the additional educational department please email SEN@prioryschool.net

The Senior School library is located on the ground floor of the school and has wonderful views across the landscaped grounds. It is equipped with laptops for students’ use and areas for quiet reading. Students are welcome to use the library for study or private reading during morning break and lunch time.

Our library is managed by Mrs Freeman and Mrs Rai and is open from 10am until 5pm (9am on Fridays).

The library is currently undergoing an extensive programme of stock maintenance and renewal. We offer a good range of fiction and we are gradually updating and renewing our nonfiction books, study guides and specialist texts. Much of our fiction is included in the Accelerated Reading Scheme and is clearly designated with coloured labels on the spines to assist these readers. We hope to include computer software and music as part of our stock, and we are considering the provision of newspapers and magazines as well as offering advice on careers and university places, to support the projected Sixth Form entry in 2012. We also plan to host book fairs.

 

The library operates a homework club from the end of the School day until 5pm Monday to Friday. This provides a quiet and studious atmosphere for students to work on homework tasks and seek assistance from the Librarians, who are happy to help with many subjects.