To be a Pilgrim …   is to be determined, Episode 6 

As I know you are more than aware, yesterday England went into a second lockdown for four weeks. We at Pilgrims’ are very determined not to let this impact the might of our school. In the last two months, I have learnt that Pilgrims are very determined - both boys and adults. We have all enjoyed being back in school this term and the learning and progress taking place is so obvious to me as I go around the school on “learning walks” (dropping into lessons). The boys’ assessment cards at half term speak to all the progress made, and it is also evident in my conversations with them. The giggles of delight I hear every day on the Quad, Grid or Yard speak volumes of time well spent and friendships in action.

To be a Pilgrim ... is Remembering Henry James, Episode 2

Today, our School assembly this morning was called: To be a Pilgrim … is to remember together. We wanted to remember Henry James and to reflect as a school. We were together in our remembering, if you will, and took comfort in our togetherness.

For nearly six years, my Friday afternoon has included writing a Pilgrims’ Way article – but, given that next week we will reproduce my Prize-Giving speech, this is the final in the series. In extremis, I have written the c.400 words in alcoves in the Cathedral and on trains, a plane, and in a motorway service station. Given that they appear at the top of a newsletter, my aim has not been to recite the happenings of the week, but to give a Pilgrims’-relevant message that, ideally, permits reference to specific school events.

Thank you to Karen Pacey for her proof-reading – that is, mainly, the removal of lines and paragraphs (and sometimes whole articles) that would have unnecessarily divided opinion. Editors Rhian Little and, currently, Angela Slater have been wonderfully tolerant of habitual last-minute delivery and my own final sweep of the Pilgrims’ Way and a zealous imposition of the ‘z’ spelling (no, it is not an Americanism!), Oxford commas, [there’s one for you] and imperial measurements (though even I balked at writing five furlongs after every mention of the recent ‘1km Challenge’).  On occasion, Fowler’s Dictionary of Modern English Usage has settled disputes.

About this time of year, I usually write about our Year 8 Leavers.  Of course, this summer I have only seen them on a screen – until this afternoon, when four completed their Leavers’ Project Clarendon Way charity walk near the front door.  The majority had a how to day: the skills learnt were, in order through the day, (i) gut a fish, (ii) be an inventor, (iii) change a wheel on a car, (iv) sell a product, (v) play poker, and, (vi) cook.  They also enjoyed a lecture by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.  Since their exams, the boys have participated in a range of virtual activities and games (thank you, Sharky and George), as well as worked on their projects.  There is still plenty to come: on two days next week, they will produce a film, with everyone, those in school and those who live too far away to come in, having a part.