Charity
Charitable work is of significance because it brings help to people who need it; but also because it reminds us of our humanity and responsibility for our neighbour. Working for others helps us to become better people and to aspire to further kindness.
Pilgrims’ is an outward-looking school that supports a considerable number of charities through fundraising and events and, at the end of Year 8, Leavers’ Projects. Pilgrims’ boys learn that one of the reasons they should do well is so that they are able to help others, and a practical outworking of this mind-set is a remarkable amount of charitable work, often instigated by the boys themselves.
Recently, there has been a non-stop 24-hour music marathon, a Biathle (a running and swimming race), a paper aeroplane contest, a ‘onesie’ run around the Quad, and the production and sale of a cookery book. Each year we run an art competition for all Winchester primary schools, in support of the Cameron Bespolka Trust.
We have strong links with our community, in particular with nearby St John's Almshouse and its elderly residents, and Shepherds Down, a primary school for children with a wide range of complex learning needs.
Mufti days introduce another element of fun philanthropy, inviting boys to dress up in return for a donation to one of our nominated charities.
Our Cathedral choristers work in an on-going outreach partnership with Hampshire schools, which culminates each year with a wonderful performance together in the Cathedral, led by our music department.