Sir Tom Boughton (an Old Pilgrim and Quirister) spoke to the boys during our Twilight Talk about his own remarkable journey through school and life. His talk entitled ‘From Pilgrim to Soldier, Pilot, Banker and Diplomat’, covered a lot of his experiences since leaving Pilgrims’ 44 years ago. He spoke to the boys about resilience and understanding that life will not always run smoothly, and that it is in our ability to look forward that we are often able to achieve our goals.  

He talked to the boys about a four-step method they should employ when life gets difficult, and they are tempted to react negatively: ‘Stop. Breathe. Reflect. Choose.’ By stopping, breathing, reflecting and choosing a better way, we can often diffuse what may have become a difficult situation, or an unwise choice. 

Tim also brought the Victoria Cross awarded to a member of his family into school to show the boys, and they were very fortunate to be able to handle it and see it close-up. This served as a further reminder to boys that there are many who have had to endure difficult circumstances and have had to dig deep to endure. 

Our second speaker was Robert Lloyd-Williams from Steer Education, who spoke to parents at our Wellbeing Matters ‘Live’ session about the use of AS Tracker as a tool to proactively monitor mental health in schools. Robert emphasised the importance of helping young people to ‘steer’ the road to adolescence and beyond thoughtfully and intentionally. He also demonstrated how AS Tracker action plans can help young people to thrive within and outside of school when teachers and parents work together proactively. 

Robert’s presentation was recorded and will be made available once it has been edited. 

We are indeed fortunate to have had such interesting and engaging speakers in school this week. 

Craig Cuyler 
Designated Safeguarding Lead/Director of Wellbeing/
Head of PSHEe/Assistant Housemaster (Main School)