Open Night

P.E. at Priory offers a range of activities, both traditional and non traditional that meet all levels of abilities. We aim to develop pupils understanding of their physical capabilities and to promote the inclusion of life long exercise for both physical and mental benefits. The department offers P.E. at all stages of pupils learning pathways from Junior School straight through to our Sixth Form. As well as P.E. in the classroom, the department are proud in being able to offer a range of Extra Curricular activities. Although these activities are an enrichment to the compulsory P.E., Priory have had great successes in Netball, Cross Country, Athletics and Football.

Science lessons take place in one of four fully equipped Science Labs. Senior pupils study Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as Applied Science. There are many enrichment activities to support the curriculum and the science departments works with the University of Ulster and Queens University to carry out STEM activities. In Junior School pupils receive their bunsen burner license before they embark on a range of experiments!

Drama takes place in our school hall, which is fully equipped with staging, lighting and sound and in our drama studio space. In Junior School lessons are planned to encourage the development of key skills such as confidence to speak and present before an audience, group collaboration, creative playmaking, working with scripts, devising, mime and performing on stage.

We have a hugely popular course in Senior School where we offer Edexcel GCSE Drama. The course allows the pupils to devise their own creative theatrical performances, whilst also studying and performing a wide variety of well known published plays. Pupils enjoy the endless opportunities to be creative and develop both performance skills and understanding of theatre design elements.

The highlight of the year is our annual whole school musical. This allows all pupils from year 8 to year14 to contribute to a collaborative creative project. Pupils can opt to showcase their talents either on stage through acting, singing and dancing. There are also fantastic opportunities to learn about the skills required backstage such as lighting, sound, stage management, hair and makeup etc. Throughout the year both junior and senior drama club showcase pupils’ creative work through a variety of projects. The department also organises several trips to experience live theatre. Performance workshops are also planned to allow pupils to work alongside industry professionals, in a real theatre context.

ICT and Creative Media are taught throughout the whole school using iPads, PCs and MACs with great emphasis on online safety so that all pupils understand how to use ICT securely. Year 8 gain essential skills using the iPad enabling them to confidently complete tasks across all subjects. Year 8 also gain valuable skills on the iPad to equip them with the ability to capture and edit images and video clips required for GCSE Creative Media. Year 9 and 10 gain essential skills on the PC in preparation for ICT GCSE and Business and Communication Systems at GCSE level. At GCSE we offer pupils the opportunity to study ICT or Creative Media, with both routes progressing into Level 3. ICT provides essential skills necessary for employment across most industry sectors whilst Creative Media offers exciting opportunities to learn about the media industry and pupils can choose to follow the filming or gaming route at Level 3.

At Priory College we offer a full range of Mathematics qualifications from Entry Level to A*. Our aim is that every pupil leaves Priory with a qualification in Mathematics that they can be proud of and they have achieved to their highest ability. In Junior School it is important that we build our pupils’ confidence in their mathematical ability, we challenge them to aim high and support them to reach their potential. In Senior School we offer CCEA GCSE Mathematics and Ascentis Certificate of Mathematical Skills allowing our pupils to leave with a meaningful qualification suited to their ability.

Through studying both English Language and English Literature, pupils regularly explore a wide variety of texts from the classics to more contemporary writers. Theatre trips and visits are arranged throughout the academic year to enhance pupils’ understanding and enjoyment. Additionally, our young people analyse texts and ascertain the impact of a wide range of language devices. Through such analysis, pupils learn how to express themselves creatively and use language for effect.

Priory College has a well equipped workshop allowing our pupils to develop a range of skills whilst being creative and having fun. Pupils create personal projects in Year 8 to Year 10 using a range of materials with machines such as the Pillar Drill, Vacuum Former, Belt Sander and Polisher. At GCSE you can make your own individual project which you design yourself using Computer Aided Design and other processes such as the Lathe and MIG Welder, allowing you to discover new skills and face new challenges.

Humanities comprise the Geography and History Departments. Geography aims to tackle the big issues facing the world today such as environmental responsibility, global interdependence and cultural understanding and tolerance. Residential field trips support the curriculum.
History aims to inspire pupils to examine, question and, most importantly, appreciate the study of past events. This enhances not only their historical understanding but can be invaluable when applied to their studies in all subjects.

Throughout Junior School Music, pupils receive two one hour lessons a fortnight. All pupils have the opportunity to take part in music making through the use of keyboards, ukuleles, percussion and music technology including Garageband on their iPad. This also allows them to work with others, in groups or in pairs and also to develop their skills as individual learners. Pupils explore with a wide range of topics including Body Percussion, Film Music, Blues Music, Riff and Hooks and many more. The aim throughout the course in Junior School is that pupils will develop transferrable skills which they can carry through to GCSE and A Level.

Pupils also have the opportunity to receive peripatetic lessons in a range of different instruments including piano, voice, guitar, bass, woodwind, strings and brass. Pupils receive ten half hour lessons per term on a rotating basis.

In Senior School, pupils follow the CCEA GCSE Music course.

Art and Design as a subject inspires pupils to take risks and to develop an appreciation of the visual world around us. Our aim is to enable pupils to understand the visual language of art and to explore a wide variety of media, techniques and processes to gain skills and to develop their ideas. We hope our pupils will gain a natural curiosity as they do this.
We encourage our pupils to investigate artwork through the visual elements of line, tone, colour, texture, pattern, form and shape. This is the bedrock of understanding and analysing both their own work and that of other artists. We then teach them how to apply this knowledge through the use of drawing and painting, textiles, ceramics, photography, printmaking and mixed media.
Our Art department encompasses two fully equipped classrooms with facilities for ceramics, textiles and printmaking.