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To be a Pilgrim … is to explore, Episode 9
While the boys and staff have continued to show resilience (without a doubt), on Wednesday night this week a number of boys’ thoughts turned to something different: the night sky. It was a clear night with a bright moon and a few very, very bright stars, or so we thought. For many weeks we have had cloud but not this Wednesday. Clouds are not the astronomer’s friend, well unless you are a radio astronomer (we have kit but not that kind of kit - we don’t have a radio telescope!). Mr Hammond set up a telescope on the quad. “That’s Jupiter”, said one boy. “We saw Saturn’s rings last time”, replied another. Soon I was staring through the telescope at an incredible view of craters and the rugged texture of the moon. Wow, I haven’t done that for a few years (aka decades). Amazing! Our thoughts moved on to the moon landing on July 20, 1969. As you know, at 16:17 EDT Apollo 11 was the first manned spacecraft to land on the moon with its crew: Neil Armstrong (commander), Buzz Aldrin (lunar module pilot) and Michael Collins (command module pilot). I was a small child on holiday in the Lake District apparently staring up at the sky that night too.
Wednesday was a typical Pilgrims’ day followed by a typical boarders’ evening. The evening included prep of course, but also time in the IT room, games in the Library, astronomy, free play, boarders’ common room, supper, devices and phone calls home, cereal and throughout the evening lots of animated talk and debate. On that evening, I reflected on two key characteristics of Pilgrims’ boys: they are curious and articulate, and both in spades. It is a heady combination. Whether you are thinking of boys in Reception, Year 5 or Year 8 (or any other year group for that matter) the same is true.
That evening, I left for home just after speaking to boys on the Grid who were now looking at the night sky with just the naked eye (still fascinating and beautiful). We talked endlessly about physics including lunar eclipses and solar eclipses, pulsars, the visible spectrum, infrared and UV light. I told a couple of boys that when I was only 6 or 7 years older than they are now I worked for the Ministry of Defence. I was a student scientist, employed during half of my gap year to code in C and Coral. My job was to write code which cleaned up the images of thermal imaging cameras (which have for many years since been used routinely after earthquakes, in collapsed buildings or mudslides to find survivors). Before we parted, we had reflected on 42 and hitch hikers, and that famous book and radio programme! A very Pilgrims’ evening.
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The Sky at Night - November 28 onwards - The Moon
The moon is always worth a look, and above is how it appeared on Wednesday night for a few clear hours.
Boys always clamour to view the moon when it is full, but the wiser boy knows to look at it when only a half or less is visible. Then the moon is then less bright; there is less glare; more features are easily seen; shadows are created, and so features along the terminator (where dark meets light) appear almost in 3-D.
But for those who enjoy the almost ethereal light created when the moon is full, the next opportunity is on November 30 – this is the Beaver Moon, the traditional name of the full moon in November.
Mr Hammond
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The Week Ahead
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Tues 1 December
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All day
1245
1800-2000 |
ABRSM Exams
Year 3 Online History Workshop
Year 8 Parents' Evening (Zoom)
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Wed 2 December
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All day
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ABRSM Exams
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Thurs 3 December
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All day
1800-2000
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Flu Immunisations
Year 8 Parents' Evening (Zoom)
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Fri 4 December
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All day
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Christmas Jumper Day
Christmas Lunch
Main School Christmas Reading Night
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| Sat 5 December |
am |
Year 8 Set Quiz Final |
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Last Day of Term - Wed 9 December - departure timings (further details to follow)
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1145 |
Pre-Prep depart - and any older siblings |
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1200 |
All Junior boys depart - and any older siblings |
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1215 |
Senior boys depart |
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1245 |
Senior boarders sign out (6/7s from Yard, 8s from Q School)
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Artwork of the Week
Self-Portrait using Non-Dominant Hand by Jaden P (Year 7)
This drawing stopped me dead in my tracks this week. I was utterly mesmerized by it. There is something so arresting about the strings of continuous lines that weave together to form an incredibly close approximation of the artist. He drew this with his non-drawing hand, with the pen held in his fist, not in his fingers.
So many constraints and yet such an incredible drawing. Well done, Jaden! Have a Show Up for your outstanding drawing.
Mr Walters
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Year 3 visit the Virtual British Museum
On Monday, Year 3 became Ancient Egyptian Myth-Busters! Boys in school and at home completed live activities and interactive quizzes, which were brought to us over Zoom by an expert from the British Museum.
Many boys asked and answered thought-provoking questions that enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the past. Year 3 investigated objects from the collection and weighed up the evidence. They also developed their own perspective and judgements about ancient Egypt’s common misconceptions. The expert helped the boys develop their historical enquiry skills and challenged them to think critically. Fun was had by all!
Mrs Goodthwaite
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And here's some different news from 4M:
4M and Mr Power were playing on Linguascope on Thursday and noticed an error in one of the games. They wrote to Linguascope who replied with this lovely and grateful response.:
'Wow - those are some incredible observation skills you have there! In all the years of the Beginners section, nobody has noticed that. We're really grateful that you spotted it, as we rely on pupil and teacher feedback to keep improving the site for everyone.'
Well done, 4M!
Mrs Brown
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School Notices
Term dates - are now available up to Christmas 2021 on both My School Portal and the website.
Pick-up - If you give another adult the authority to collect your son, please inform Mrs Payne in the Front Office, by email: ipayne@pilgrims-school.co.uk .
If you have a permanent arrangement (such as a new nanny or any change to the usual person collecting), please also let Isobel know. This way we can keep our records up-to-date and ensure Sign out runs as smoothly and safely as possible. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Smart shoes - It is often said that one mark of a gentleman is the excellent state of his shoes
Well, however wet or dusty the day, a good Pilgrim can always start the day as a gentleman. Consequently, please may a Day Boy arrive at school each day with his shoes looking smart. If ever he forgets, he may go to the polish box in the tunnel off the Yard. Thank you.
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New Handwashing Facilities - It seems clear, from most available reliable evidence, that regular handwashing helps us to be better protected from Coronavirus.
Consequently, the school has installed three foot operated portable double sinks - in the Yard, on the Quad, on the Grid – to make it even easier for the boys to wash at the end of breaks and before going into lunch. The washing of hands has never been more popular!
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Christmas jumper day - Friday 4 December - boys can wear their Christmas jumpers in exchange for a donation of toys or food to support the Salvation Army’s goal of making sure local children do not wake up hungry or without a present at Christmas.
Please bring donations of Christmas food and children’s toys to school on mornings of Thursday 3 and Friday 4 December to the drop off points at the front of school and the back gate 8-8.30am.
Boarders’ donations will be collected on Monday 30 November.
(The Salvation Army asks for food to be in date, no alcohol,or food with alcohol, and toys should have a value of £10-15. They should not be wrapped.)
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Junior Plus Badge Winners
5P – Henry B, Nathaniel B, William I
5W – James P and Cameron J
4M – Freddie S and Rafael C
4B – Zain C
3E – Sasha G and Farid A
3G - Edward D
Well done, boys.
Mr Burton
Menus: weekly menus can be found on My School Portal under the My Children tab.
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The Year 8 Inter Set Quiz
Three matches were played this week.
On Wednesday, Saxons A defeated Normans A
On Thursday, Monks A defeated Romans A in the tightest match so far.
On Friday, Wrens A defeated Monks B, with the highest score so far.
As ever, much knowledge was shared, and sometimes correctly.
Points this far:
Monks 1000
Romans 650
Saxons 620
Normans 580
Wrens 500
Mr Hammond
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From the Base - Help and support for parents
For those who don't know, part of the reason my career changed direction four years ago was because of the struggles my wife and I were having with one of our children. One of my daughters developed worrying eating habits, which all turned out to be down to anxiety and low mood.
Years later, with treatment and support, she is doing pretty well, and her future, although not guaranteed, is just about as bright as any youngster.
I am very lucky; I have an amazing wife, a great family, and very good friends. The NHS did a good job for my daughter, but it was other adults that helped my wife and me through it all, and still do.
All our children present us with challenges; academic, social, behavioural. There are plenty of ways to receive support for many of these. It has occurred to me, however, that perhaps there might be a need and a desire for a Pilgrims' parental support group, especially regarding parenting and mental health. This would be an opportunity to share stories and learn from each other, as we all have unique experiences. Sometimes, just knowing others are in the same boat, is a big support.
Currently, I am proposing a Saturday morning Zoom. If you are interested, do keep a look out in the new year for this to begin. Also, do feel free to email me if you have any particular thoughts - mshroff@pilgrims-school.co.uk
Mr Shroff
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Sport News
We've recently started sharing images and videos of PE lessons across our social networks as we look back at the work we've done this term. We have really enjoyed putting the education back into physical through activities such as gymnastics, adventure development, and health related exercise.
In these settings, pupils not only develop the physical aspects of their characters but the intellectual, emotional, and social facets also. We look forward to sharing more of what we have been doing in the coming days.
PE at Pilgrims' this week: Years 4, 5, 8
Year 8 Ultimate! - A new sports module for us this term, Ultimate Frisbee.
Year 4 Body Tension - developing gymnastic partner balances in the cricket nets.
Year 5 Gymnastics - Watch the boys vaulting in various roles; performer, supporter and apparatus!
Mr Short
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Quirister news
After listening from home Mr Ionascu told Ben Cunningham, George Castle and the Qs, "Bravo on a wonderful 'Live Stream Choral Evensong' from the Cathedral. The Standford was thrilling...a wonderful climax, great ensemble with the organ and warm lyrical lines throughout."
A message from Probationer Quiristers James and James: 'The service was brilliant in the Cathedral! It was very special because it was so different, with no congregation and being spaced out. We would like to do it again.'
You can watch the service here, from the warmth and comfort of your homes.
Julie Allen
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From Mrs Ross
It is wonderful to be finishing this week with our Year 1 and 2 Pre-Prep boys back at school, enjoying the rich and exciting learning environment that we are working within. The boys' and staff's excitement and happiness at being together in the classroom again, was palpable on Wednesday.
We will embark upon preparations for the end of the Christmas Term next week and I am delighted to announce that we will begin rehearsals for a very special 'Virtual Pre-Prep Nativity'!
You will receive a special invitation to you and your family, on Monday, in your son's book bag.
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'To be a Pilgrim' awards
Year 2 Pilgrims' Shell Award goes to Finlay N for fantastic focus and attention to detail in his art-work this week.
Year 1 Pilgrims' Shell Award goes to Rupert B.
All the boys in Reception received a special certificate rewarding their hard work in Read Write Inc. having completed all of Set 1 Speed Sounds. Well done, boys!
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Year 1
Year 1 have enjoyed learning about the planets this week. We learnt the order of the planets using a song and found out more about each planet using video clips and an exciting animated song which gave us lots of useful information. The boys enjoyed explaining what they had learnt and drew their own pictures showing the planets in order. We have also learnt about why we see different shapes of moon in the sky and the boys had great fund acting out the orbits and rotations of the Moon and Earth.
Mrs James
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This week in Reception...
An early morning check of the animals for the boys in Reception. The giraffe's feet needed washing! The bat kept escaping so the enclosure had to been adjusted and made higher; thankfully now the bats have a larger space to fly around! The vet was called, 911, as the lizards were sick!
Just a typical day for our EYFS learners. Mrs Kent introduced the story 'Dear Zoo' earlier in the week. Teacher-led learning inspired the boys: animals were sorted into species, wild or tame, and were counted. Then they were provided with the life essentials of shelter, food, and water. From this foundation, the boys have taken on their learning independently. And what fun these zookeepers have had! #EYFS #outdoorlearning #learningthroughplay
Mrs Brown
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Forest School
This week during Forest School, Year 1 spent some time considering the terms ‘carnivore’, ‘herbivore’ and ‘omnivore’. The boys went foraging to find nuts, berries, rosehips, and nettles to feed their imaginary ‘herbivores’. They then spent a tranquil half-hour fishing on the Itchen Navigation. Huge excitement ensued as the group discovered that some fish love nibbling on pieces of malt loaf!
The Year R and Year 2 classes engaged in more traditional Forest School activities. Sitting around the campfire, the boys whittled sticks, toasted marshmallows for s’mores, drank hot chocolate, and told stories. In addition, Year R considered the idea of shape in the environment and had fun creating shape people.
Mrs Judd
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A Concerning App - Please Be Aware
Police are concerned about an app which is causing some alarm as it is related to drugs and specifically County Lines. There is no current information that it is being used widely in our area but it is prudent to pass on this warning.
The app seems to be a game about running a County Lines (Cunch) operation. It has an in-chat facility which could enable grooming/recruitment.
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The Pilgrims' School, 3 The Close, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9LT
01962 854189
pilgrims@pilgrims-school.co.uk; admissions@pilgrims-school.co.uk
  
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