GEOGRAPHY

There’s never been a more important time to study Geography.  An awareness of the changing climate, social, economic and physical issues is crucial for a better understanding of the world.  Debate and discussion are a big part of geography at The Pilgrims’ School. We place a keen emphasis on the ability to empathise with people in different situations and environments around the world. 

Geography at Pilgrims’ equips boys with a wide range of skills, from map reading and data analysis to independent research and understanding global cultures and environments.

The curriculum covers key topics such as rivers and coasts, weather and climate, tectonics, population, and sustainability, all designed to encourage connections between subjects and real-world experience.

Learning is highly practical, with regular fieldwork and trips. With the River Itchen, water meadows and the South Downs National Park on the doorstep, boys benefit from rich, hands-on exploration of the world around them.

HISTORY

Set among Roman and medieval history in the heart of ancient Wessex, Pilgrims’ offers a rich and inspiring environment for young historians. Boys are encouraged to question, explore and understand the past, building a strong foundation of key events, people and places.

We study Imperial China and world History from Year 3. Learning is brought to life through regular trips and hands-on experiences, including visits to historic sites such as Portchester Castle, Fishbourne Roman Villa and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, as well as access to the Winchester College Treasury. We also run regular trips as follows:

Year 4  – day trip to the Milestones Museum, Hampshire’s Living Museum at Basingstoke
Year 5 –  day trip to Butser Farm for Saxon and Roman history / Ancient History Site at Waterlooville
Year 6 –  residential trip to Normandy for The Normans, William the Conqueror and the D Day landings
Year 7  – day trip to Hampton Court Palace
Year 8 –  residential trip to Waterloo, Belgium and the Western Front of WWI; and a day trip to Corfe Castle, Dorset
 
We make full use of the historic surroundings of The Close here in Winchester and we have strong links with the Cathedral, the City Museum and English Heritage.
 
From early years through to Year 8,  history at Pilgrims’ is immersive, engaging and memorable.

 

GENERAL STUDIES 

Critical thinking, or ‘General Studies’, is the study of all aspects of the world around us, including politics, ethics, culture, technology.

Boys are taught to question, debate, speculate – to think for themselves. 

Critical thinking begins for with a focus on verbal and non-verbal reasoning for younger boys.

n Year 6, we move on to study different human qualities, using, for example, Beowulf and Anne Frank to spark discussions about character traits, motivation, and individual and collective responsibility.  

Some of the boys will sit a general paper in their final exam. For these boys in Year 8, critical thinking enables them to construct a discursive argument in response to a question about, for example, the merits of democracy, or the artistic value of modern art.

Through critical thinking, boys are taught to value the power and protocol of written and spoken argument, and to draw their own conclusions.

They may end up seeing the world differently. They certainly become thinkers. 

THEOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY, RELIGION

In an atmosphere of honesty and mutual respect, the boys learn to consider controversial issues sensitively and to reflect thoughtfully and tolerantly about theological, philosophical, and religious ideas, past and present. Theology, philosophy, and religion (TPR), is studied for the benefits it brings to a boy’s understanding and appreciation of the world around him, and for Common Entrance.  It encourages boys to be open-minded and to respect diversity. 
 
The syllabus includes the study of Christianity because of its historical and contemporary influence on British culture, along with Judaism, because of its importance in understanding Christianity and its historical, geographical, and social relevance, along with other faiths and belief systems.  Teaching Philosophy and ethics is a natural progression following the reading of biblical stories and we do this in the context of both historical and contemporary issues.  In Years 7 and 8, boys also study the Great Thinkers, starting with Plato. 

Creative Arts

Creative Arts at Pilgrims’ encourage imagination, expression and confidence, giving boys the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic and creative disciplines in a vibrant, supportive environment.

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Music

Music and choir at Pilgrims’ play a central role in school life, offering boys outstanding opportunities to develop their musical talent, perform with confidence and be part of a rich choral tradition.

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