The last two years have certainly proved challenging, as Becca explains; “Setting up and running a virtual school, teaching pupils online and keyworker pupils 'live', all the while continuing with the day-to-day logistics of working in a school, meant that, at times, keeping up with my own studies proved a challenge and one that I often thought might get the better of me.

As challenging as the last two years have been, I am so proud to have stuck with it and completed the course.  I am so grateful to all the Pilgrims’ staff for their interest in my work and for their support, especially when it came to my dissertation where I looked in depth at models of performance management. This involved wide scale research across over 100 independent schools as well as a localised study within our school community, where the Pilgrims’ staff team willingly gave their time to be interviewed and answer questionnaires.

I might have studied leadership and management, but more importantly I have learned a great deal about both myself and other people, and ultimately what can be achieved even under the most difficult of circumstances.”

Tom adds; “The Masters programme was an opportunity to explore leadership in more detail especially within an educational context. The modules covered the educational leadership landscape, strategic thinking, personalities and managing people and an action research project on an element of leadership. For the dissertation I studied leadership during crisis and what lessons could be learnt from other sectors that could be implemented and looked at within education. Part of this involved looking at leaders during Covid and how they approached the challenges during a crisis. On this, it was interesting how many of our educational leaders were challenged but invigorated by the challenge and leading our pupils, staff and parents through the last 18 months and counting. While a Masters is challenging, I would thoroughly recommend it. The workload is huge but there was so much to learn personally and professionally.”

... and one of our teachers

Many congratulations to our PE Teacher and Games Coach, Myles Greenwood, who recently graduated with a PGCE in Physical Education from the University of Buckingham.

When asked about the course, Myles said; 'The PGCE course was an opportunity to further my learning, development and understanding of the subject. The practical nature of the course allowed me to implement and consolidate weekly readings, as well as learn from experienced colleagues across the curriculum."

'Teaching through Covid-19 and lockdown, presented many different challenges to the whole school community. I have learnt a great deal about my pedagogy, adapting practice and the need to instil a love for physical exercise, however small. I won't miss playing tennis with a frying pan and a pair of rolled up socks! I am, however, excited to keep challenging and developing our impressive sport provision through innovative ideas. I am grateful to the school and the staff body for their continued support, especially to Andrew Short, who mentored me through the last academic year."