Wider Opportunities

Duke of Edinburgh Award at Penwortham Priory

In September 2023, Priory re-launched the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), the world’s leading achievement award for young people.

The DofE is designed to challenge young people between the ages of 14 and 24, encouraging them to develop a wide range of skills, contribute to their communities, experience adventure, and learn beyond the classroom.

How the DofE Works

There are three levels to the award: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. At Priory, we offer the Bronze Award to our Year 9 students, with the Silver Award available to Year 10 students who have successfully completed Bronze. Participants achieve their awards by completing a personalised programme of activities across four key areas:

• Volunteering – Giving back to the community through service and support.
• Physical – Developing fitness and well-being through sport, dance, or other activities.
• Skills – Learning and improving practical or social skills, fostering independence and creativity.
• Expedition – Planning, training for, and undertaking a challenging outdoor journey.

Our Success So Far

The DofE Award has quickly become a key part of our extra-curricular offer. In 2024, 37 students successfully completed their Bronze Award, demonstrating commitment, resilience, and teamwork. Building on this success, we are proud to introduce the Silver Award for the first time in 2024-25, with 18 students signed up and working towards their goals.

Developing Young Leaders

As part of our commitment to developing leadership skills, we are also participating in the DofE Young Leaders Programme. This initiative provides students with the opportunity to develop mentoring, coaching, and leadership skills by supporting younger participants in their DofE journey. This not only enhances their own personal development but also fosters a strong culture of teamwork and responsibility within our school community.

Why DofE?

The DofE Award is an invaluable opportunity for students to develop leadership, teamwork, resilience, and organisational skills – qualities that align with our school values and contribute to their personal growth. Universities and employers highly regard the award, recognising the dedication and commitment required to achieve it.

Get Involved

If you would like further information about the DofE programme at Penwortham Priory Academy, please contact Mrs Cauchi.

Duke of Edinburgh Website

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Time is given in the Computing curriculum at Key Stage 3 to support students working towards their Bronze award. This allows students to receive their login to the iDEA portal and make progress within the system. We also welcome Key Stage 4 students in Year 10 and Year 11 who would like to complete the programme outside of lesson time.  In addition, all year groups can work on their award during Computing Club in HX2 (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday lunchtimes / Thursday after school) and even outside of school time should they wish.

We believe this is a fantastic opportunity for our students to enhance their digital skills and gain valuable experience that will benefit them in their future careers.

iDEA Award

Our Personal Development Award Programme aims to encourage you to engage in a wide range of activities, both in and out of school, that contribute further to your own personal development, and rewards you for doing so.

We believe that strong personal development provision contributes to making a positive difference to your lives and can create a positive effect in school, at home and in the community in which you live.

The opportunities provided not only allow you to engage in activities you are interested in, but enable you to explore and build a strong pathway to, and foundation for, a successful future.

Our activities fit into five overarching strands, which supplement your Character and Culture and Personal Development sessions in Learning for Life.

The five strands are:

• Culture and Heritage
• Future Citizens 
• Health and Wellbeing 
• Skill Builders 
• Bright Futures

Our Priory+ Award is rewarded with a star badge, certificate for pupil's records of achievement and achievement points towards trips and visits.

So far pupils currently in school have achieved:

581 - Bronze 1

359 - Bronze 2

223 - Bronze 3

131 - Silver 1

73 - Silver 2

42 - Silver 3

21- Gold 1

11- Gold 2

9 - Gold 3

9 - Platinum

Priory+ Award Brochure

PiXL Edge seeks to nurture self-assured and confident young people whilst supporting a well-rounded education.

PiXL Edge gives pupils the opportunity to develop key life attributes through targeted activities and challenges especially chosen for their formative qualities in character development as well as their desirability by employers.  PiXL can help pupils to discover their own strengths and aptitudes, and inspire and expand themselves as individuals.

Mr Raynor leads the programme which is open to all year groups.  Pupils who want to participate must complete the blue ‘Activity Research and Selection’ sheet available from Mr Raynor.  Completed forms can be returned in the same way.

On launching the scheme, Ms Smith said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Priory pupils to be recognised for utilising personal attributes in and out of school. Our pupils participate in so many activities outside of lessons and appear to be keen to gain recognition for their efforts. There has been a great deal of interest in the award and I look forward to reading about the vast array of activities our pupils will be engaged in.”

Pupils select ten activities across five attributes to work towards their award.

The five attributes are: 

• Leadership (eg. Making decisions, acting responsibly, collaborating)
• Organisation (eg. Time management, problem solving)
• Resilience (eg. Showing commitment, working under pressure,)
• Initiative (eg. Creativity and seeing the value in being of service to others)
• Communication (eg. Editing, presenting, matching form and content to the audience)

Pupils will be able to view resources, information and share their activity evidence through a dedicated area on SharePoint.  Progress can be made through three levels (Apprentice, Graduate, Master) as they move up the school. Each level should take no longer than a term to complete and can be achieved either alone or as part of a small group in class, extra-curricular or in their lives outside school.

Pupils will receive a Priory PiXL Edge Attribute certificate at completion of each attribute activity. On completion of all ten activities pupils will receive their PiXL Edge Apprentice Award and an interactive digibadge, which records details of the scheme and their achievements online.

More than 700 schools are now members of the scheme which is backed by employers.  The awards can be used to support applications to college, university and employment, giving them a competitive recruitment edge.

Our Vision 

To be a school that cares about the local and wider environment and takes action to improve it. 

How are we going to do it?​ 

• Understand the importance of monitoring changes in the environment. ​ 
• Understand the impact humans are having on the environment at a local and world-wide level. ​ 
• Build a culture of taking action against negative impacts to the environment. ​ 
• Understand that it is everyone's responsibility to build a sustainable future. ​ 
• Be aware of the positive impact on physical and mental health the natural environment can have. ​ 
• Have an awareness of careers opportunities available linked to the environment.    

What we have done so far: 

• We have built a group of enthusiastic committee members. 
• We have arranged competitions 
• We have ensured every classroom has a paper recycling box. We are aiming to do the same with a plastic bottle recycling box. 
• We have created a sign to go in each classroom reminding pupils to turn of lights. 
• We have arranged a tabletop sale for Derian House to encourage our community to recycle goods and buy second hand. 
• We have made links with a local garden centre.  We have learnt how to make Christmas Wreaths and decorated the school Christmas tree. 
• We have worked on several projects with South Ribble Borough Council – tree planting, tidying up public green areas, plating plants. 
• We have planted roses in an unused area of our own school grounds. 

We aim to continue raising the profile of the local environment and how small changes can have a big impact.   

Trips and visits

In addition to the diverse and rich opportunities offered through the teaching of curriculum subjects at Priory, we value opportunities to take pupils out on trips and visits and to have visitors into school to help put their learning into context, expose them to experiences they might not otherwise have and encourage them to learn about the local, national and international communities of which they are a part. Trips and visits in the last couple of years have included: 

Enrichment:

• The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme expeditions
• Preston Guild Hall - Harris Museum Community Mural Collaboration

Pathways and Futures:

• Year group or subject specific trips to FE providers - Preston College, Myerscough College, Runshaw College, Cardinal Newman College
• Apprenticeship providers - BAE Systems, Leyland Trucks
• Training providers - Army Day

Other volunteering opportunities in the community are advertised to pupils and attendance usually requires adult supervision: Our pupils have volunteered at:

• The Venue, Penwortham
• Bamber Bridge Football Club
• Galloway's - Support for the blind
• Homeless centres
• The Hurst Grange Park Trust - Tree and bulb planting - With school staff
• The Great British Clean-up gathering - With school staff

Or by:

• Singing at local rest homes and in supermarkets to bring Christmas cheer
• Taking part in mosque charity events

Trips and Visits

As with other schools, we have a House system and each House has its own House Leader.  We aim to put all members of the same family in the same House and this includes parents who work in the school.

The House Leaders provide enjoyable Interhouse Competitions and work with subject leaders on theirs. 

House Leaders arrange rewards trips and activities for pupils and will this year introduce more variety based on the 'Never Have I Ever' survey to be released in December.

This system allows pupils to contribute to, and feel a valued part of, not only the whole school community and their own particular year group, but their own house – Calder, Douglas, Hodder or Ribble.

Each pupil has a tie with stripes in the colour of their House and a lanyard. All pupils and staff wear a badge in their House colour too - Blue, Red, Gold and Green.

Mrs M Cauchi, House Leader (Douglas) | Mr R Owen, House Leader (Hodder) | Mrs C Massey, House Leader (Calder) | Mr T Raynor, House Leader (Ribble)

House Events

House Leaders

KTB Music is Priory's peripatetic music tutors delivering ‘paid for’ one-to-one lessons in school. Pupils will come out of a timetabled class lesson on a rota basis to minimise the disruption to their school lessons. Pupils can study to gain exam grades, to play in concerts or simply for pleasure.

Lessons are available in Singing | Piano | Saxophone | Drums | Guitar at £7 per 15 minutes

If you choose to take up these private lessons, KTB Music asks that your child is committed to a whole term’s tuition at a time. Each term’s timetable is emailed to parents and is displayed on the notice board adjacent to the sports hall viewing window for pupils to check.

KTB Music was founded to bring music to people from all walks of life.  They are dedicated to bringing a better quality of musical life through education, entertainment, self-growth and self-confidence to communities by establishing strong relationships with both business and individuals. 

KTB Music at Priory has a loyal commitment to the development of each individual's musical skills whilst understanding each individual's needs.  Encouragement to study for examinations will help pupils towards inspiring their own self-belief and creating and nurturing their own enthusiasm.

If pupils would like to take up an instrument, learn to sing or carry on from primary school, parents can email KTBMusicatpriory@outlook.com to request further details or go to www.ktbmusic.com to find out more. Pupils can see Mr Taylor, Lead Teacher for Music at Priory, for a chat and information booklet.

Alongside learning a new skill there are many benefits to learning a musical instrument:

• Proving memory skills
• Improving co-ordination skills
• Improving maths skills
• Improving reading and comprehension skills
• Developing responsibility
• Knowledge of culture and history
• Enhancing a sense of creativity
• Learning how to express yourself and your emotions
• Developing your academic profile
• As a way of relaxing
• Developing self-discipline
• Developing self-confidence
• Risk-taking
• Teamwork

Examinations

There are many different types of external examinations available.  These are exams that would usually be scheduled throughout the school day, and take place in an external centre in Preston or Leyland.

These examinations are controlled by external exam boards such as the Association Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), London College of Music (LCM) or Trinity College.  Therefore prices for each grade will vary accordingly.  If you would like more information don't hesitate to get in touch or you can visit each examination board individually.

www.abrsm.org | https://lcme.uwl.ac.uk/ | www.trinitycollege.com/qualifications/music

At Priory, we always look for opportunities to develop our pupils' life skills and provide leadership experiences. 

In Year 10 we offer Peer Mentor training. It’s the second year Priory pupils have undertaken the ASDAN Peer Mentoring course delivered by Lancashire County Council's 'We Are With You' programme leader, Mr Tahir Mahmood.

ASDAN is an education charity and Year 10 pupils spent two days learning more about skills such as listening, teamwork, coping with problems and more to help them to mentor younger pupils.  Among other tasks, pupils participated in role plays and communication challenges across five strands to gain a 10 hour ASDAN accredited certificate.  They also bagged themselves a £25 'Love 2 Shop' voucher!

Further information can be found here: ASDAN Website | Peer Mentoring Short Course

Peer mentoring can support children and young people by:

• Enhancing social competence, 
• Building security within the setting and wider community by realising their worth as social beings, 
• Improving attendance and educational attainment whilst 
• Developing friendship skills in a positive environment. 

Year 11 Umar, who's been qualified for a year now, said: “The option came up and I thought it would be useful and look good on my CV.

“We had two days where we learned about how to manage and control situations.

“Back in September we introduced ourselves to the Year 7s and made them aware we are there at break and lunch times to help them if they need us.”

Harry said: “I love helping people and I also feel I have some experience to help any Year 7s with any problems, like if they're struggling with something, and so on.

“I learned a lot from the two-day course and I feel ready to help.”

Kyle said: “I enrolled as a Peer Mentor because I want to help the younger ones and the course helped us to learn how to speak to them and guide them.”

Jacob said: “I know what I felt like in Year 7 so I feel I can empathise with their problems.”

Rehan said: “We want to be someone they can look up to and talk to.”

Kasper added: “I think I would have benefited from a Peer Mentor when I was younger. I feel I can share my experiences from when I was in Year 7. I think it’s a really worthwhile role and I want to help.”

Prefects & Senior Prefects

Benefits of Becoming a Prefect

1. Leadership development: Prefects gain valuable leadership experience by managing responsibilities and guiding peers.
2. Enhanced communication skills: The role involves interacting with students, teachers, and staff, improving your communication abilities.
3. Confidence building: Taking on a leadership role boosts self-esteem and confidence.
4. Responsibility and commitment: Prefects learn to balance their duties with academic and personal commitments, fostering a strong sense of responsibility.
5. CV enhancement: Being a prefect is a prestigious role that looks impressive on college applications and resumes.

Role Involves

• Maintaining discipline: Ensuring students follow school rules and maintaining order.
• Mentoring peers: Providing guidance and support to younger students.
• Organising events: Assisting in the planning and execution of school events and activities.
• Representing the school: Acting as an ambassador at school functions and events.
• Liaising with staff: Coordinating with teachers and administrators to address student issues.

How to Apply

1. Application letter: Write a formal letter to the school principal expressing your interest in the position. Highlight your achievements, leadership qualities, and why you are suitable for the role.
2. Interview: Be prepared for an interview where you may be asked about your motivations and how you plan to contribute as a prefect.
3. Selection process: The selection may involve teacher recommendations and a review of your academic and behavioural records.

Attributes

• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated through participation in clubs, sports teams, or other extra-curricular activities.
• Good academic record: Consistently achieving their predicted grades or above and a strong work ethic.
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate effectively and work well with others.
• Integrity and responsibility: High moral standards and a sense of duty.
• Empathy and patience: Understanding and supporting peers from diverse backgrounds.

Here are some examples of duties that prefects typically perform:

1. Monitoring corridors and classrooms: Ensuring students move between classes in an orderly manner.
2. Supervising breaks and lunchtimes: Overseeing student behaviour during breaks and lunchtimes to maintain a safe and respectful environment.
3. Assisting with assemblies: Helping to organise and manage school assemblies, including setting up equipment and ensuring students are seated correctly.
4. Mentoring younger students: Providing support and guidance to younger students, helping them with academic or personal issues in the Year 7 area.
5. Organising / supporting school events: Taking part in the planning and execution of school events such as sports days, charity events, and cultural festivals as well supporting at parents evenings, drama productions and other whole school events
6. Representing the school: Acting as ambassadors during school functions, open days, and external events, showcasing the school’s values and achievements.
7. Liaising with teachers and staff: Communicating student concerns to teachers and staff, and helping to implement school policies.
8. Leading by example: Demonstrating good behaviour, punctuality, and a positive attitude to inspire other students.

To become a Senior Prefect you must apply for Head Prefect and you will then be selected for this position.

What is the Priory Pledge?

The Priory Pledge is our commitment to you and our young people

Our pledges promise an entitlement to all of our pupils across their five year journey with us.

What is the main aim of the Priory Pledge?

The initiative aims to encourage our pupils to value extra-curricular involvement within and outside of school. Through inclusion and participation in the five pledged entitlements, pupils will experience both academic and personal development opportunities to build valuable life experiences that will help support their Personal Development and prepare them for life beyond Priory.

How are the Pledges recognised at the end of the five year journey?

On leaving Priory, all pupils will receive a Pledge award to recognise their participation in all of the experiences. This will complement their Personal Development Award and can be kept with their Record of Achievement as they move on to their next step.

The Priory Pledge

Visiting Speakers, Workshops and Performances

The school also provides regular additional activities, workshops and lectures from visiting performance groups and speakers to support their social, moral, spiritual and cultural development, Pathways and Futures understanding and awareness of the Fundamental British Values. In recent months we have had assemblies from:

• Lancashire Fire and Rescue - Water Safety - Whole School
• Lancashire Fire and Rescue - Bonfire Night Safety and the Law - Whole School
• Stand Against Violence - Domestic Violence - Whole School
• We are with you - Organisation who support youngsters at risk from a mental health, sexual activity, addictive substances - Year 10
• The Royal Volunteering Service - Year 10 
• Bikeability - Group of Year 7 Cyclists - Annual

• CREATE Education - 3D Printing Workshops

Pathways and Futures

• Languages Careers Day - A number of employers, training providers and HE departments - Year 9
• STEAM Careers Fair - A number of employers, training providers, FE and HE departments - Whole School
• BAE Systems -  Year 10 and 11 Engineering
• National Grid - Year 10 Engineering
• Colleges - Preston College, Cardinal Newman College, Runshaw College
• Leyland Trucks Apprenticeship Talk Year 10 and 11
• Preston College Aerospace Trip Year 10

At Penwortham Priory Academy we educate pupils about the value of volunteering. Our reasons for doing so:

• Fosters a Sense of Community: Volunteering helps pupils feel connected to their community and understand the importance of contributing to its well-being.
• Develops Empathy and Compassion: It encourages pupils to put themselves in others' shoes, fostering empathy and compassion for those in need.
• Builds Social and Interpersonal Skills: Volunteering often involves working with diverse groups of people, helping pupils develop strong social and interpersonal skills.
• Enhances Personal Growth: It provides opportunities for personal growth, helping pupils build confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment.
• Promotes Civic Responsibility: Volunteering teaches pupils about their civic duties and the impact they can have on society, encouraging them to be active and responsible citizens.
• Provides Real-World Experience: It offers practical, hands-on experiences that complement academic learning, helping pupils apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
• Encourages Lifelong Volunteering: Early exposure to volunteering can instill a lifelong commitment to helping others and participating in community service.
• Improves Mental Health: Engaging in volunteer work has been shown to improve mental health by reducing stress, combating depression, and providing a sense of purpose.

Penwortham Priory Academy has a reputation in the local area for supporting through volunteering on an individual basis and as groups. So much so, we are often approached before we have the opportunity to reach out.

Community Projects we have participated in:

• Bulb and Tree planting with Hurst Grange Park Volunteers
• Birthday cards for locals in rest homes.
• Choir Christmas Carols in rest homes and supermarkets
• Litter Picking in the community

Volunteering has been encouraged of late with our current Year 11 cohort when we had a visit from the Royal Volunteers Service last summer.

All pupils have the opportunity to volunteer within our own school. In-house volunteering opportunities:

• STEM Club
• ECO Committee
• Summer School
• Primary Visit Support
• Primary Sporting Events
• Book Sale supervision
• Anne Frank Exhibition
• Bistro Counter
• Site Staff Support
• Peer Mentors

Our pupils proactively seek opportunities within their own communities or linked to their personal interests. A recent survey of pupils revealed the following engagement:

• Bamber Bridge Football Club
• Penwortham Arts Centre
• Preston Homeless Centre
• Gymnastics Club
• Youth Leader for Girl Guides
• Youth Leaders for Scouts x2
• Youth Leader for Cubs
• Youth Leader for Brownies
• Turbary Wood Owl and Bird Sanctuary
• The Golf Foundation
• Dance Babies Group support
• Preston Community Hub Food Banks
• Police Cadets
• Kingsfold Library
• Penwortham Library
• UCLAN Sports Arena Soccer Centre
• Local Farm support
• Kick Boxing Coaching
• Football Referee
• Community Garden Work
• Santa Train Volunteer
• Primary After School Club Assistant
• ‘Age’ Charity Volunteer
• Horse Riding Club Support
• Netball Coaching
• Penwortham Food Bank Volunteer
• Hockey Coach and Referee
• Rotary Club Support
• Basketball Training Support
• Assisting at the Foxton Homeless Centre
• Sea Cadets Volunteering
• Mosque Volunteering
• Christianity Youth Group Support
• Coach trampolining at Preston City Trampoline Club