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.

The library is located on the second floor of the school and has the most wonderful views across the landscaped grounds with study areas situated overlooking the beautiful outlook.  Students are welcome to use the library for study or private reading at break time and lunch time and can book the computers at their leisure.

Our library is managed by Mr Sorflaten and is open from 8.45 until 5pm. He is assisted by a group of students, our designated librarians, who are responsible for keeping the library tidy, signing books in and out and organising work areas; they will be happy to assist if you require any help.

The library has a comprehensive range of resources including two rooms of fiction and non fiction books, study guides and specialist texts, computer software, newspapers and magazines as well as a host of books and leaflets offering advice on careers and university places. Specialist texts (i.e. dyslexia friendly books) are available on designated shelves. There is also a computer room with nine workstations and two printers. We regularly host book fares.

 

The library also hosts a homework club after school from 4 -5pm Monday to Thursday. Students may work together on homework tasks and seek assistance from Mr Sorflaten who is happy to help with many subjects.