THE CURRICULUM 

English is the fundamental to all learning, and at Pilgrims’ we provide every boy with a thorough grounding in all aspects of literacy. More than this, though, we inspire a deep-rooted passion for reading and a genuine and lasting appreciation of literature. 

Throughout their time at Pilgrims’, boys learn to communicate clearly and effectively, writing for a range of audiences and purposes. They are encouraged to experiment with different styles – including narrative, persuasive and descriptive writing – while building strong foundations in grammar, spelling and presentation.

Poetry is particularly enjoyed, with boys given the opportunity to write and share their own work, helping to build confidence, self-awareness and self-expression.

A strong culture of reading runs throughout the school, with daily time set aside for boys to read and enjoy books. In class, they develop the skills to analyse language and understand its impact, while older boys explore literature in its wider social and historical context. Shakespeare is made accessible through modern connections, encouraging thoughtful discussion around important contemporary themes.

 

ENRICHMENT

Enrichment at Pilgrims’ brings learning to life through theatre trips, author visits and workshops that inspire creativity and insight into the writer’s craft.

Speaking and listening skills are developed through classroom discussion, debate and opportunities to speak in assemblies and services at Winchester Cathedral and Winchester College Chapel, with senior boys also gaining confidence through guiding visitors around the school.

ACCELERATED READER

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a system that helps monitor boys’ independent reading.  Pilgrims’ can pick a book at their own level and read it at their own pace.  When they have finished, they take a short quiz.  AR gives the boys and teachers feedback based to help with what they might want to read next. AR has over 30,000 books on record with quizzes for each, and more are being added every day.  

AR keeps a running total of all the words each boy has read.  Keeping track of this ‘Word Count’ is something that strongly motivates the boys – the goal is for a boy to become a ‘Word Millionaire’ during an academic year. 

BRIGGS LIBRARY

Reading is at the core of the Pilgrims’ way of life, so the library is always open. Boys use it in lessons, breaks, before and after the school or just as somewhere homely to sit quietly and read. Magazines and newspapers are available too with chess sets and comfy sofas. 

Our impressive collection of fiction includes the classics alongside the latest releases, while the reference section aims to support the curriculum and to provide material that reflects the boys’ hobbies and interests.  We also have the famous P & G Wells book shop just next door where many families enjoy visits from famous children’s authors and workshops.   

POETRY RECITAL AND SPEECH COMPETITION

Boys take part in our annual poetry recital, for which they learn a poem and recite it from memory.  Older boys also enter our annual speech competition, competing to engage and enthuse audiences, delivering speeches on a topic of their own choice that they have researched and written themselves. The finals of both competitions are judged by an external adjudicator and always well attended by parents.