Pilgrims

CURRICULUM

Following the EYFS curriculum, we emphasise learning through play, with a strong focus on outdoor learning as a recognised Forest School. In Reception, carefully planned resources encourage decision-making and problem-solving, with access to outdoor space throughout the day and opportunities to learn alongside Years 1 and 2.

In Years 1 and 2, literacy and numeracy are taught in small, tailored groups, while other subjects are delivered through engaging, topic-based learning. A cross-curricular approach encourages curiosity, creativity and a love of learning, with minimal screen use and a focus on real-world experiences.

The Pre-Prep is fully integrated into The Pilgrims’ School, with no additional assessment required for entry into Year 3. Close monitoring ensures each boy is well prepared for a smooth transition.
 
 
 

ENGLISH

Talking is a vital skill when we’re learning how to read and write, so you can be sure to find lots of conversation when you visit our Pre-Prep. Role-play and drama are used to tease ideas and story plans from the boys as they grow as independent writers. Using the Read, Write, Inc scheme of learning, the boys make swift and steady progress, and it is a joy to see their excitement as they discover their new skills.  

Inspiration for creative output is often sought outdoors. ‘Poem and story making’ is a hugely popular and important Forest School activity. 

The Pre-Prep reading scheme is of our own creation, devised specifically to draw boys into the magic of books and reading. Titles are carefully selected, with a wide range of styles presented, including many non-fiction books.   

Discussion is an essential part of learning to read, and we encourage our emerging readers to use predictive and reasoning skills while chatting about the pictures and storylines in their books. 

MATHS

Within the Pre-Prep, we view Mathematics as a vital part of children’s everyday discovery and understanding of the world. We aim to nurture and develop confident, curious learners who see Maths not simply as numbers on a page, but as a meaningful tool for thinking, problem-solving and making sense of real-life situations. Through a hands-on, curiosity-led approach, boys explore mathematical ideas using practical resources, discussion and play, allowing concepts to develop naturally and deeply.

We place great value on mathematical talk, encouraging the boys to explain their thinking, spot patterns and make connections across their learning.

By embedding Maths within our rich indoor and outdoor environments, we foster resilience, creativity and a genuine enjoyment of mathematical exploration from the very beginning of their school journey, building a lasting confidence and enjoyment in Maths. 

 

 

FRENCH

We waste no time getting the boys interested in languages. All boys receive French teaching from a specialist subject teacher starting in Reception. We normalise using another language by sometimes taking the register or reading stories in French too.

A French immersion day every year introduces the boys to the delights of French food and culture and extension work is arranged for any native French speakers. 
 

GEOGRAPHY

We make full use of the resources on our doorstep for Geography with boys starting out learning about their local environment, establishing an awareness of where we live in this world through first-hand observation.  Orienteering skills are introduced as the boys learn to create and interpret maps. 

SCIENCE

We like boys asking why and how and pre-prep science at Pilgrims’ is an adventure into exploration and discovery. Our Forest School and its emphasis on outdoor learning is key to helping the boys develop a better understanding of the natural world, its processes and phenomena. 

 

 

HISTORY

The boys study people and events ranging from the recent past which might relate to their own grandparents, to learning about historical figures like Lord Nelson, Guy Fawkes, Neil Armstrong and Thomas Edison. Questioning and research are actively encouraged and topics are deliberately boy oriented: the study of castles, the history of transport, pirates, ships, and the native Americans are always popular. Lessons are supported wherever possible with a field trip. In this way, the boys begin to grasp the concept of chronology and to discern the similarities and differences between ways of life in the past.