Overview

Based on the principles of educational philosopher Professor Gert Biesta, education at Priory School is centred around three domains: ‘qualification’, ‘socialisation’ and ‘subjectification’.

Biesta (2009) writes about the purpose of education being:

• Qualification – preparing students for the future, whether that be work, citizenship or further study.

• Socialisation – through education, students become part of society or culture by learning knowledge, values and norms that make up that society.

• Subjectification – students develop their sense of individuality through learning knowledge, so that they can make sense of themselves, others and their place in the world.

We have chosen these principles to underpin our school aims because the purpose of education is multidimensional; it reaches beyond the pursuit of qualifications and serves what can be surmised into the three inseparable domains; learning powerful knowledge which unlocks understanding of the world; living, working and learning together in a community where everyone is included; forming and transforming individuals who can confidently take their place in the world.

To provide a greater sense of communal ownership over our school aims, we have re-framed Biesta’s domains as ‘knowing’, belonging’, ‘becoming’ for Priory School, each pivotal to shaping the experiences of every Priory student.

Please contact Deputy Headteacher Mrs Laura Douse for any information relating to our curriculum.