EDUCATION
GIVING BOYS LIFE SKILLS FROM SPORT
Pilgrims ’ offers boys much more than success on the playing field says director of sport Andrew Short
It ’ s the start of the Summer term , and there ’ s a palpable air of eager anticipation at Pilgrims ’. Boys stagger into changing rooms to unpack bulging kit bags before running off to their classrooms , throwing in several swift windmill arm actions as they go . The cricket season has arrived .
The Pilgrims ’ School , a prep school for boys aged four to 13 , boasts what must surely be one of the most idyllic cricket pitches in the country . Where else can boys thump cricket balls towards the boundaries of ancient Roman walls , and line up their wicket with a Norman castle standing benevolently behind them ? Match tea is served from the pavilion , with its panoramic vista across the cricket pitches toward Wolvesey Castle . It is beguiling .
In a school where sport features strongly every day , surely a reluctant sportsman might find it a bit daunting ? “ Not at all ,” comes the emphatic reply from the director of sport , Andrew Short . “ We take time to introduce beginners gradually to each of the major sports : rugby , football , cricket , athletics and swimming . We introduce more challenging and competitive elements , according to each individual ’ s ability .”
He continues , “ Inclusivity is key . We play a lot of matches at all levels , so our boys can gain the transferable life skills associated with being part of a team : working together supportively , performing under pressure , winning and losing with grace and fair play .
“ There are some very impressive sportsmen in the school , some of whom have represented Hampshire and even the UK . I am delighted that their hard work has resulted in some of them being awarded senior school sports scholarships .”
Some boys prefer to pursue an individual sport : fly fishing , tennis , fencing , clay pigeon shooting and table tennis being just some examples . Sailing takes place in the Autumn and Summer terms . There is something to engage every boy , at every level of ability .
One of the great strengths of The Pilgrims ’ School is the teachers ’ combined knowledge of all the boys . “ We are able to help each boy find a sporting activity that best suits him ,” Andrew says .
“ It ’ s a mistake to consider school sport in the short term , and to place too much emphasis on winning . Far more important is to encourage a lifelong focus on being fit , active and healthy . Sport is vital for wellbeing , and it is our responsibility to ensure every boy is aware of its huge benefits .”
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