All pupils are closely monitored in their classrooms and if any specific learning difficulties are identified that require specific support classroom 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.

As students enter the Sixth Form they experience freedom, responsibilities, boundaries and consequences.  Strong pastoral care is provided from their tutor and through their PSHE programme.  The tutor guides them in effective time management, helps them develop a sense of responsibility and to lead by example in behaviour and attitude. 

The School runs a ‘Big Sister Initiative’ where years 12 and 13 take responsibility for the year 7 pupils in their first year in seniors.  Each Sixth Form student is allocated a little sister from the new Yr7 intake. They are introduced to each other at a special assembly. They then meet informally or they may have lunch together. Their unique bond gives the new pupils a feeling of security - that someone cares.

 

The success of this scheme has prompted Priory School to develop a peer-mentoring scheme, in partnership with Childline, to encompass all pupils within the school. The peer-mentoring scheme aims to increase awareness and understanding of what the role of the mentor entails and how the role is fulfilled suit the needs of our students requiring help and advice.  Sixth formers play a leading role in this scheme.

Sixth formers are also expected to contribute to the management of the school and organise their own community events, fostering good teamwork and leadership skills.

Our aim to provide plenty of opportunity for students to use their initiative, develop their own voice and extend their own special talents and gifts.

Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) Awards

 The DoE groups plan and co-ordinate their forthcoming expeditions in regular meetings with the Staff coordinator who oversees the various training sessions required to undertake an expedition. The group use a variety of locations around England for their routes. Training will cover navigational and compass skills, cooking on small stoves, tent erection and route planning.

Music

The music department offers many opportunities for students to take part in performances throughout the school year. Among these activities are orchestra, jazz ensemble and senior choir. 

Drama

Priory School has a very active drama department which offers opportunities for the Sixth Form to be involved with every aspect of drama productions. Speech lessons are available weekly which lead to Lamda exams in which we are very successful.

Sport

Sports and gymnastics are available to the Sixth Form and a nationally recognised Sports Leadership qualification is on offer for students who have

particular interest in these areas.

 

 

 

 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.