Summer School 2026 - A Fantastic Start to Life at Priory

On 19th and 20th August, we were delighted to welcome our new Year 7 students to Priory for two exciting days of Summer School activities. 

The programme provided a wonderful opportunity for pupils to meet new friends, build confidence and experience a range of subjects before starting in September.

As well as taking part in a variety of engaging lessons, students were introduced to many aspects of daily life at Priory. Each pupil was allocated a locker and shown how to use it, helping them to feel prepared and organised for the start of the new term. During break and lunchtime, students used the dedicated Year 7 social area, along with the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and the seating area near the Hex. This gave them the opportunity to become familiar with key areas of the school and feel more confident navigating the site when they return in September.

Music

In Music, students explored pulse and rhythm through a range of whole-class activities designed to develop their understanding of on-beats, off-beats and syncopation, while also learning how to follow a conductor. 

They then moved on to learning about triads, three-note chords that form the foundation of much of the music we hear today. 

Using keyboards, pupils learned how to build and play these chords before progressing to the famous “four-chord song” progression. 

They discovered how countless songs, including Country Roads, Paparazzi and even Auld Lang Syne, are based on the same sequence of chords. Mr Taylor was extremely impressed with the pupils’ enthusiasm, musical ability and thoughtful responses throughout the session.

Drama and Performing Arts

The Performing Arts sessions gave students an insight into Drama and Dance at Priory. Pupils learned choreography from Matilda the Musical’s energetic song, Revolting Children, quickly mastering new movements and bringing the performance to life. 

They also explored how facial expressions, body language and movement can be used to create realistic characters and tell stories without words. 

Lead teacher of Drama, Miss Howell said, “It was fantastic to see every student getting involved, supporting one another and embracing the challenge. Together, they created a positive and encouraging atmosphere where everyone felt confident to perform and showcase their creativity.”

Wellbeing

Students also took part in a wellbeing session focused on the Five Ways to Wellbeing:

Connect | Be Active | Take Notice | Keep Learning | Give

Through a variety of engaging activities, pupils explored each aspect of wellbeing and learned practical ways to support their mental and emotional health. 

One of the most popular activities was a large-scale game of Dobble, which brought out plenty of friendly competition and laughter.

Geography

The Geography Department welcomed students with a lesson centred around the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Pupils tested their knowledge of national flags and capital cities before using atlases to locate the host nations around the world. Working collaboratively, they developed key geographical skills while exploring a major global event and gaining a flavour of Geography lessons at Priory.

PE and Orienteering

In PE, students took part in an orienteering challenge around the school site. 

Working in teams, they followed clues, answered questions and located different classrooms and key areas across the school. The activity encouraged teamwork, communication and problem-solving while helping students become familiar with their new surroundings. It was an enjoyable and active way to explore the site, gain confidence in navigating the school and prepare for their first day.

Astronomy

In Astronomy, pupils examined photographs of the partial solar eclipse that took place on 12th August, captured locally in St Annes. They then used their mathematical and scientific skills to create scale models of the Solar System, helping them to understand the immense distances and relative sizes of the planets.

Science

Students thoroughly enjoyed their practical Science session, where they learned how to use microscopes safely and effectively. They were shown how to focus the microscopes and adjust magnification levels before examining a variety of slides, including cells and other fascinating specimens. 

This hands-on experience gave pupils a real taste of secondary school science.

A Brilliant Two Days

Summer School provided a fantastic introduction to life at Priory. It helped pupils settle any worries they may have had about starting secondary school while giving them opportunities to make new friends, develop confidence and experience learning in a range of subjects. Through activities across the curriculum, exploring the school site, learning new routines and meeting members of staff, students quickly began to feel part of the Priory community.

Mrs Bullock, Summer School Lead, said: “We have been incredibly pleased with the fantastic uptake of pupils attending this year’s Summer School and the significant benefits it has brought. 

“Over the two days, pupils have settled into life at Priory exceptionally well, building confidence, making new friendships and becoming familiar with the school environment. Having the opportunity to explore the site, learn where key classrooms are located and enjoy social times, has helped to reduce many of the anxieties that can come with moving to secondary school.

“Summer School provides pupils with the chance to experience school routines, meet members of staff, develop their independence and begin forming positive relationships with their peers before September. By giving students a sense of belonging from the outset, we have seen them grow in confidence, become more comfortable navigating the school and feel genuinely excited about starting their secondary school journey. Watching them embrace every challenge with enthusiasm and positivity has been wonderful, and we are looking forward to welcoming them back as full members of the Priory community.”

Mrs Holland, SENCO and Designated Safeguarding Lead, added: “I was delighted to see so many of our new Year 7 pupils taking part in this year’s Summer School activities. It provided a wonderful opportunity for them to settle any worries they may have had about starting secondary school while beginning to build friendships and confidence in their new environment. 

“The pupils embraced every activity with enthusiasm and engagement and, most importantly, had a great deal of fun along the way.”