Priory School’s co-curricular programme spans five areas, from academic enrichment and outdoor education to performing arts, sport, community volunteering and beyond, giving every pupil the chance to build skills well beyond the classroom.
The aim of the co-curricular programme is to develop skills pertaining to each activity, but also many of the ‘soft skills’ that universities and employers so frequently say are lacking in young people. By engaging with co-curricular activities, pupils develop skills of leadership, communication, problem solving and many more.
We aim to provide as varied a life beyond lessons as we can, so that our pupils not only have the pleasure of activity when they are young but also find and develop essential skills which will form a vital part of their adult lives.
From singing in the choir, to completing a Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition, working backstage at the Christmas Play or competing in a sports fixture: all require teamwork, cooperation, resilience and empathy.
These efforts are recognised in our weekly assemblies, whole school and Junior School, as well as our two weekly publications, the Newsletter and the Sports Report.
Parents and pupils are also encouraged to notify the school of achievements outside of school, such as cadets, horse riding and sailing, so that we may acknowledge a wide range of accomplishments and successes, boosting self-esteem and motivating others in the process.
Through participating and leading co-curricular activities, pupils also learn how to win and lose, and the importance of developing resilience, so that setbacks are seen as valuable learning tools and an inevitable part of their own personal development.
Pupils are taught to win with humility, lose with grace and to do both with dignity.
The co-curricular offer gives all pupils the opportunity to take part in activities new and old, and pupils are encouraged to use the School Council to suggest and implement ideas for additions and changes to the programme. We hope that these activities lead to an area of excellence and/or interest that stays with Priorians well beyond leaving school.
As part of the programme we aim to instil a love of learning and the ability to engage and contribute.
This could come from a love of the outdoors, a passion for drama, or learning a new technique in sport.
Pupils should leave Priory having enjoyed their experiences, taking with them a lifelong passion for something outside the classroom.