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Student Development

We are dedicated to promoting values which ensure our students develop a strong sense of social and moral responsibility.

These values underpin the work we do and are promoted at various times throughout the academic year, extending beyond the classroom through a wide range of visits and experiences. 

Our Values Continued

At Co-op Academy Priesthorpe we are dedicated to promoting values which ensure our students develop a strong sense of social and moral responsibility. These values underpin the work we do and are promoted at various times throughout the academic year, extending beyond the classroom through a wide range of visits and experiences. 


As part of our vision to equip and motivate students to contribute fully to life within their own communities and beyond we understand that character education is every bit as crucial to our students’ development as academic success. Our Co-op ‘Ways of Being’ and co-operative values actively promote and complement the five fundamental British values identified by the Department for Education:

  • Democracy 
  • The rule of Law 
  • Individual Liberty
  • Mutual Respect 
  • Tolerance of those of different
    faiths and beliefs

Students are prepared for life in modern Britain by developing an understanding of these fundamental British values. 

As Academy Leaders and Governors, we are responsible for providing a curriculum which:

  • Is broad and balanced, complies with statutory requirements and provides a wide range of subjects which prepare students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in modern Britain.
     
  • Actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance.
  • Promotes tolerance of and respect for people of all faiths, no faith and of different cultures through effective spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students.
     
  • Is supported by a well-rounded programme of assemblies which offer clear opportunities for students to reflect on what they perceive to be right and wrong.

It is essential our staff lead by example and exemplify and model British values. These values are built into our staff induction processes.

The examples provided below, whilst by no means exhaustive, serve to demonstrate how British values permeate our curriculum, and also how they underpin our commitment to providing regular opportunities for students to impact positively on life within their local community and beyond.
 

Students are prepared for life in modern Britain by developing an understanding of these fundamental British values.
 
 

 


Extra Curricular Activities

At Co-op Academy Priesthorpe, the development of skills such as social, communication, problem solving and teamwork is enhanced by the opportunities and experiences students have outside the classroom.

Getting involved in extra-curricular activities is the fastest way to feel like a true part of the Priesthorpe community. At Co-op Academy Priesthorpe, we call these "Enrichment" sessions, and they are designed to help you "Succeed Together" outside of the classroom. Here are just some of the activities we offer.

Get Active

Our PE department is incredibly active, and there is a club for everyone, whether you want to play for a team or just have fun:

  • Football & Rugby: Trials for the academy teams usually start in the first few weeks of September.

  • Netball & Rounders: Great ways to build teamwork skills with your new year group.

  • Badminton & Table Tennis: High-energy clubs held in our sports hall during lunch or after school.

  • Fitness Suite: Older students often use the gym, but keep an eye out for Year 7 "taster" sessions!

  Get Creative

  Priesthorpe has a brilliant reputation for the arts. If you love to perform or create, these are for you:

  • Drama Club: Build your confidence and work towards our big academy productions.

  • Choir & Band: Whether you’re a singer or play an instrument, we have groups for all levels.

  • Art & Design Club: A space to work on your own projects using the academy's professional materials.

Get Involved

  • Cooking Club: Learn to make delicious snacks and meals in our professional tech kitchens.

  • Computing & Gaming: Join fellow tech-lovers to explore coding or compete in gaming tournaments.

  • Eco-Club: Help us "Show You Care" by working on projects to make our academy even greener.

  • The Library (The Hub): Open at break and lunch for quiet reading, homework help, or board game sessions.

Our Clubs & Activities 

There are a diverse range of activities that are part of a weekly timetable for students to choose from. These activities run before or after school and are delivered by staff who are enthusiastic to share their knowledge and passion.

Find out more here

Rewards

House System and Rewards

At Co-op Academy Priesthorpe, we don’t just notice success; we celebrate it loudly! Our Rewards Policy is the heartbeat of our school, designed to transform your daily effort into extraordinary opportunities. We believe that every student has a "relational bank account," and every time you show kindness, resilience, or hard work, you are building a wealth of success that we can’t wait to recognize.

From your very first lesson, you’ll be earning House Points for being Ready, Respectful, and Safe. These points are your passport to prestige. As your total grows, you’ll climb the ranks from a motivated learner to a celebrated House Leader. Reaching this status isn't just a title, it's your golden ticket to the highlight of the school year: our Annual Rewards Trip. Whether it's a theme park, an outdoor adventure centre, or a city experience, this trip is our way of saying "thank you" for setting the gold standard for our community.

Imagine being pulled out of class for a surprise invitation to our Reward Pop-up Cafés exclusive sessions where you can relax with friends, enjoy high-quality treats, and celebrate your recent wins in a space that feels more like a lounge than a classroom. For those truly exceptional moments like a selfless act of leadership or a massive breakthrough in a tough subject you might be awarded a rare Platinum Ticket. These are personally handed out by senior leaders and visitors to the "legends" of our school, marking you as a true ambassador of our Co-op values.

We don’t believe in waiting until the end of the year to celebrate. With Weekly Wins and 100% Attendance awards, there is a chance to be a champion every single Friday. We want our hallways to be filled with the buzz of achievement, where parents receive positive phone calls home and students wear their success with pride. The tables below outline the comprehensive rewards framework available to all students, detailing both the tiered House Point milestones and our regular ongoing recognition awards.