Pilgrim’s
Progress2019-2020 REMEMBRANCE FIRST EVER DAY TRIBUTE OFSTED RATES US ‘GOOD’
MODERN TWIST FOR TIMES TABLES ROCK STARS PILGRIM FATHERS Challenging Year, But So Much To Be Proud Of
When I became Principal of Pilgrim Academy in In mathematics, the report says, “a coherent and September 2019, I had no idea that it would be such embedded plan helps teachers to build pupils’ knowledge a challenging year! The severe disruption caused by and skills over time. Teachers’ good subject knowledge is the coronavirus has obviously had a great impact used well to explain new ideas and effective questioning on the education of our children. However, when we is used to check pupils’ understanding.” return to normality, as an academy and a community, we will work tirelessly and relentlessly to ensure our The report recognises: children continue to receive the excellent education “The Early Years curriculum has been they deserve. well developed to interest and engage It is important that we celebrate everything that we had children. A wide range of well-planned achieved before the period of lockdown and the fact that this review is so full, without any events between mid- activities capture their imagination. March and the end of July, is testament to how much had Children in Nursery and Reception happened between September 2019 and March 2020. are well looked after and behave well. As you will be aware, the government made huge changes They benefit from daily mathematics to curriculum expectations for schools and academies and phonics sessions. Consequently, this year. This has meant a large overhaul in some areas and I am delighted with how our curriculum has they are well prepared for their move developed, particularly with our focus on enrichment, into Year 1.” community and preparing our pupils more explicitly for their secondary education and beyond. Everyone connected with Pilgrim Academy will do everything possible to improve even further, in order to In January 2020, we faced a rigorous two-day inspection become an ‘outstanding’ school. from Ofsted, the first since the Academy had become part of Tollbar MAT in April 2017. The Academy was I would like to take this opportunity to thank you judged ‘Good’ in all areas, including: The Quality as parents and carers, for your continued support, of Education; Behaviour and Attitudes; Personal particularly during the recent difficult times. I hope you Development; Leadership and Management; and Early feel as proud of this review as we do and I look forward to Years provision. I use the word, ‘rigorous’ because it working with you and the children in the years to come. really was - during the two days, the three inspectors visited parts of lessons on over 40 occasions. In addition Andrew Clark, to speaking to children during lessons, more than 50 Principal children were spoken to separately, in small meetings with inspectors, where they listened to the children read; looked at their books; and asked them a wide range of questions, covering aspects such as safeguarding; behaviour; teaching and enrichment opportunities. This, together with the constant meetings with senior leaders and staff meant that the inspectors were able to gather a true reflection of the tremendous strides we have made together over the last few years.
The report describes Pilgrim Academy as “a friendly school where pupils feel safe and happy. It says pupils talk positively about recent improvements at the school, including the things they learn in lessons. Leaders have led a drive to improve the teaching of reading: new resources, staff training and a clear programme for teaching phonics have all helped to improve pupils’ reading across Social distancing in the summer term the school.” as some pupils returned to school. 2 | Pilgrim’s Progress Contents Pilgrim’s Progress | 2019 - 2020
September
4 • Little Sign Of First-Day Nerves For These Pupils 5 • Democratic Election Process Helps Pupils Develop Into Respectful Young People
October
6 • Harvest Festival Celebration Donates To Grimsby Food Kitchen 04 6 • Good Enough For Greek Gods But Pupils Give Mezze A Mixed Reaction 7 • It Really Is Fair Play To Win This Medal!
November
8 • Pilgrim Fathers Get Modern Twist As Pupils Create Artwork For Illuminate Immingham 10 • Striking New Shields Honour Pilgrim Fathers As Academy Elects New House Captains 12 • ‘Around The World’ Theme Unites All Areas Of Curriculum For Learning 08 13 • Tremendous Effort For Remembrance Day 14 • Promoting A Passion For Reading 16 • Road Safety Officer Says: Take Your Headphones Off While Crossing Roads 17 • Pupils Help Volunteers Pack Parcels For Less Fortunate Children 18 • Cracking Quiz Raises Money For Children In Need
December
19 • Exhibition Celebrates Extraordinary World 20 • Ancient Greece Brought To Life In Panto 16 22 • Parents Help Make Christmas Baubles 23 • Pilgrim Production Of Mary’s Knitting Proves Popular
January
24 • Dragon’s Tale Enthralls Young Children 25 • Early Years Pupils Celebrate Cultural Differences 26 • Rock On! Interactive Maths Site Helps Pupils Prepare For Compulsory Times Tables Checks 27 • Sequencing Lessons With The Help Of Chris Quigley Greater Learning 20 Across The Curriculum
February
28 • Ofsted: Academy Judged ‘Good’ After Joining Tollbar Multi Academy Trust 30 • ‘Passionate’ Team Wins Gymnastics Trophy
March 28 31 • ‘120-Mile’ Academy Skipathon Raises Funds For Sport Relief 32 • Pupils Among Special Guests At Opening Of Town’s New Heritage Trail 34 • Fictional Characters Come Alive On World Book Day
Text by Tracey Law at Lawpr.co.uk. Photographs by Sean Spencer and Ray Corke, Hull News and Pictures. 34 Pilgrim’s Progress | 3 Foundation Stage Two children show their excitement at starting school full time.
Little Sign Of First-Day Nerves For These Pupils
There’s nothing like your first day at full-time school, and these Early Starters at Pilgrim Academy definitely embraced it. Dressed smartly in the Academy’s signature green uniforms, the Foundation Stage Two pupils settled into their environment and got to grips with some of the fantastic play equipment. Maddie Shepherd and Charlie Sparkes hang around together!
Catch me if you can, says Lydon Cooke. The joy shows on the face of Evalynne Young. 4 | Pilgrim’s Progress | September Democratic Election Process Helps
At a time of political crisis, pupils Pupils Develop at the Academy showed just how successful democracy could Into Respectful be when used properly to help them to develop as respectful Young People and responsible young people.
The pupils took part in their Student Council Elections for 2019/20, electing 20 members to represent their classmates and air their views on the issues that affect them within the Academy. Within each class, pupils were invited to stand for election and, where more than one person put themselves forward, a secret vote was held within the class. The pupils then met with the Academy’s Executive Principal, Mr Andy Clark, to hear their ideas and opinions as the Tollbar Multi Academy Trust school continued its drive forward.
Pupil Zara Marcheva said: “I chose to be a student councillor because I’ve got many ideas that I hope can make my school better than all the others.”
Borislav Latev said: “I am a good speaker for the class. I want to help others so that they can tell me things to tell to Mr Clark.”
Bozhidar Georgiev added: “I wanted to be on the school council this year as I wanted to help make decisions about what happens in school, such as getting more activities for our playground.”
Mr Clark said: “One of the Academy’s focuses this year is to further develop strategies to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain, developing them as respectful and responsible citizens, who contribute positively to society. The Student Council is just one area that enables pupils to develop such wider knowledge and skills.”
Proud Pilgrim Academy Executive Principal, Andy Clark, with the newly-elected School Council members. They are: (Back row, left to right): Bozhidar Georgiev, Leah Lapworth-Smart, Zara Marcheva, Sophie Chapman and Charlie Hodson. (Middle row, left to right): Borislav Latev, Ethan Allen, Freddie Guest, Alfie Goold, Ebony Short and Maisie Carter. (Front Row): Archie Annand, Esme Crockett, George Lusher, Millie Jane Forrington, Lydon Cooke, Chloe Steward, Nathan Reynolds, Phoebe Cain and Imogen Cook. September | Pilgrim’s Progress | 5 Harvest Festival Celebration Donates To Grimsby Food Kitchen
Pilgrim Academy children donated to the Grimsby Food Kitchen as they celebrated Harvest Festival with a food collection.
Reverend Julie Donn visited the Academy and used a chocolate bar to illustrate where food comes from. The children sang songs, recited and wrote their own poetry, and said some short prayers all about Autumn time and the importance of harvest.
Eleanor Stanhope, Curriculum Leader for Religious Education, said: “It was a wonderful celebration, and it was lovely to see the creativity of the pupils who wrote their own poetry to celebrate the occasion. I am thrilled and very proud of all the generous donations made to the Grimsby Pilgrim Academy Harvest Festival food collection. Reception Food Kitchen.” pupils with some of the food collected. They are (L-r) Finley Mountain, Maddison Handley, Daniel Fisher and Ruby Morris. Good Enough For Greek Gods But Pupils Give Mezze A Mixed Reaction It is the food of the gods, and pupils at Immingham’s Pilgrim Academy have been sitting down to a traditional Greek mezze as part of their project, ‘Who Let The Gods Out!’
Year 5 and 6 pupils are learning all about Ancient Greece and what the Olympians used to eat. Riley Smaller (9) and Brooke Fleming (10) are pictured trying out a plate filled with Greek specialities, including feta cheese, melon, olives, pitta bread, Greek yoghurt and olive oil. Reactions to the dishes were mixed.
Year 6 pupil Brooke said: “I have never been to Greece, but we are learning about what types of food the ancient Greeks used to eat. I liked the olives and melon, I have them at home, but I didn’t like the feta.”
6 | Pilgrim’s Progress | October The Pilgrim Academy Team at the Rugby Megafest.
It Really Is Fair Play Year 5 pupils won a medal for Fair Play when they took part in the To Win This Medal! TAG Rugby Megafest at Cleethorpes Rugby Club.
During the morning, the children took part in a carousel of activities in order to develop their basic skills before taking part in games against other schools in the afternoon.
Holly Thompson, Curriculum Leader for PE, said: “The pupils really enjoyed the day and gained a lot of valuable skills. The 10 children who took part were awarded with medals and certificates for displaying the core values of the school games. They displayed great teamwork, self-belief, determination and respect for others. They really enjoyed the day and gained some valuable skills. We are very proud of them.”
The Fair Play medal winners show off their prizes. October | Pilgrim’s Progress | 7 Digital Artist Jason Wilsher-Mills is pictured with Pilgrim Academy pupils (l-r) Ben Richardson, Connor Teasdale, Logan Allen, Lilly Berry and Skye-Louise Wright with their iPad artwork for the Illuminate Immingham Project, which was later projected onto buildings during the parade.
Pilgrim Fathers Get Modern Twist As Pupils Create Artwork For Illuminate Immingham
Artwork created by children from the Academy was projected onto St Andrew’s Church as part of the Illuminate Immingham Parade. To celebrate the third year of the project, Artist Jason Wilsher- Mills worked with Pilgrim Academy children in Years 5 and 6 to create contemporary Art using digital technologies.
During the workshop, the children altered images of themselves using a variety of digital painting techniques. Although the images initially started life as Pilgrim Academy students, they were soon transformed into locally historic figures. Bold, unique and contemporary Art brought to life the images of those who sailed on the Mayflower ship. Pilgrim Academy pupil Jack Dean with his self-portrait.
Digital Artist Jason Wilsher-Mills said: “We have been learning how to use art in different ways and these images we are making are going to be projected onto buildings 50-60 feet high in celebration of the Pilgrim Fathers who undertook the Mayflower journey. This is a fantastic project using modern technology to bring to life an event that happened 400 years ago and celebrate its connection with Immingham.
8 | Pilgrim’s Progress | November “Today is a little bit about history, but the majority is about making art and treating the whole community to a colourful extravaganza with the foundation stones of this community - which is, of course, the children.
“The children started off with self portraits and coloured them in. Then we used original artwork from 400 years ago to show what Pilgrim Fathers looked like, and they have used these techniques to put their head on the body of Pilgrim Fathers. We have had some leeway as we have made these colours very bright so that we can blow people’s socks off with something really special.”
Year 5/6 Teacher, Rachel Backhouse explained: “The workshop connected many areas of the curriculum, such as using digital technologies as part of Computer Science, practising Mastery of Art techniques and developing a knowledge of local History. In addition, the workshop aimed to ensure pupils have access to wider Robbie Howard with his self-portrait. opportunities, which may then develop an interest in a new area of learning: combining modern digital technology with historical knowledge.
“To generate the imagery, children shared their ideas and thoughts with both the artist and their peers whilst actively motivating each other to create art which honours the journey of those aboard the Mayflower ship. The workshop resulted in greater engagement with the local community, as all children now demonstrate a deeper awareness of the town’s commemorative Illuminate Immingham project.
“It was fantastic to participate in iPad Art with Jason, I really enjoyed using new technology,” said pupil Ben Richardson. Reece Gibson with his self-portrait in the style of the Pilgrim Fathers.
(L-r) Jack Dean, Leonard Score, Connor Teasdale and Logan Allen with their self-portraits in the style of Pilgrim Fathers. November | Pilgrim’s Progress | 9 Striking New Shields Honour Pilgrim Fathers As Academy Elects New House Captains
The Academy changed the names of its Houses and designed brand new shields to celebrate its links with the local community and the voyage of the Pilgrim Fathers 400 years ago. As school elections took place to elect new House Captains for the year, Year 5/6 Teacher, Steve Lond spent a week crafting the new shields, which honour four of the prominent people who travelled on the Mayflower in 1620.
These are: Isaac Allerton Sr who, along with this family, was a passenger on the Mayflower; Edward Winslow, who was a Separatist and one of several senior leaders on the ship and also later at Plymouth Colony; William Bradford, who was an English Puritan Separatist originally from the West Riding of Yorkshire.
He moved to Leiden in Holland to escape persecution from King James 1 of England and then emigrated to Plymouth Colony on board the Mayflower; Richard Clyfton, whose theological beliefs brought together the core of the group known as “The Pilgrims” between 1586 and 1605. He was a Brownist Parson at All Saints’ Parish Church. The new Houses at the Academy are called Allerton, Winslow, Bradford and Clyfton and each House Shield has a nautical theme.
The House Elections were a whole school event. Prior to the Election Day, pupils took part in the process of registering to vote and collecting their own polling card. The Year 6 House Captain candidates created campaign posters that were placed around the Academy, and canvassed for votes by writing and delivering speeches to all the classes. On Election Day, pupils voted at the ‘polling station’ that was set up in the School Hall. A group of Year 5 helpers acted as the polling officers and were in charge of collecting the polling cards, ticking pupils names off and assisting pupils in how to fill out their voting cards. The candidates for the House Captain Elections. 10 | Pilgrim’s Progress | November Zara Marcheva, Year 5 polling officer, said: “I loved it. It was fun for me to do and I developed methods to work quickly to help the event run smoothly.“
Students secretly voted by filling out a voting card and posting it through the letter box. This new event gave the children a better idea of what UK Elections are like and they really enjoyed the process.
The newly-elected House Captains were Joshua Doe, Lauren Chase, Phoebe Bell and Reece Gibson. When asked about the process, the successful House Captains said: “It was fun to make the posters and go around the school to perform speeches. We gained confidence throughout the process and felt really proud of ourselves for winning. Some of us were quite surprised to win as the other candidates were really good too. We are excited to be able to help around the Academy in our new House Captain roles.”
Andy Clark, Pilgrim Academy Principal, said: “This whole process was very informative for the children, who also learnt a lot about their local history, which is now properly reflected in our new House system. All of the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the Election for House Captains. The new Shields created by Mr Lond have been very well received by the pupils and we hope that celebrating this local link will bring the children even greater pride as they represent their Houses throughout the year.”
The candidates for the House Captain Elections.
The newly-elected House Captains are (l-r) Joshua Doe, Lauren Chase, Phoebe Bell and Reece Gibson. Behind them are the new House Shields in honour of the Pilgrim Fathers. v November | Pilgrim’s Progress | 11 ‘Around The World’ Theme Unites All Areas Of Curriculum For Learning
Learning through themes saw Year 1 and 2 children ‘Journey Around The World’ during the Autumn Term to discover different, languages, cultures and the threats facing other continents.
Thematic learning allows pupils to discover a topic in detail by connecting many areas of the curriculum together, such as English, Maths, Science, Design and Technology, Art, History and Geography, and utilising all of the children’s skills. Exploring Brazil, the children designed and built rainforest habitats for endangered species. The challenge tapped into the pupils’ resilience, confidence, teamwork, problem solving skills, reasoning and information gathering.
Year 2 Teacher, Jade Grayson said: Showing off their rainforest habitats, pupil “I feel this term the children have shown that Jacob Clark said: they can work exceptionally well as a team. “It’s really sad that humans are mining During the tasks, the children have shown respect and destroying the ground in the for each other along with listening and taking on board opinions and ideas from their peers. I am rainforest because they are cutting looking forward to seeing what other fabulous too many trees down and killing the skills the children will develop over the year.” animal’s habitat.”
Pilgrim Academy Principal Andy Clark said: “Our Curriculum Intent has a number of aims, which include: Inspiring and challenging all learners to aspire to high achievement; Providing a broad and balanced education for all students; Developing students who are tolerant, respectful and understanding; Developing key skills such as teamwork; independence, resilience; responsibility; and communication; Ensuring pupils’ have wider opportunities to develop an interest and fascination in subjects and topics that interest them or that might interest them; Promoting an awareness of key issues such as healthy living; democracy and national and international events.
“We use Milestones for Teachers and Curriculum Leaders to monitor coverage and track progress across the curriculum, ensuring the children develop their knowledge and skills as they move from Early Years through to Key Stage 1 and 2.”
Year 2 pupils show off their forest Project as they Oscar Lambert, Evie Thompson and Poppy follow the theme ‘A Journey Around The World.’ (L-r) Walker with their rainforest habitat. Cody Gibbard, Lily Hooker and Zayne Khan. 12 | Pilgrim’s Progress | November Tremendous Effort For Remembrance Day
Pilgrim Academy pupils raised a tremendous £302.43 for the Royal British Legion as pupils took turns to sell poppies around the school for Remembrance Day.
A Remembrance Service was conducted by Reverend Leslie Bowring, which included the song ‘We Will Remember Them’. A separate assembly was held, on 11 November, led by Year 5/6 Teacher, Steve Lond, which included observance of the two- minutes’ silence.
A display was produced in the main reception: In Early Years, Key Stage 1 and 2 children designed and created their own poppies and wreaths, in memory of service men and women. After the two- minutes’ silence, as part of the Remembrance Assembly, pupils were given the opportunity to lay their poppies next to the uniform of the unknown soldier.
In addition, Year 6 pupil Jasmine Ridge, who is a cadet with a local unit, wore her cadet uniform and spoke with some classes about the role of her unit and the cadets in general.
Pilgrim Academy’s Poppy display to mark Remembrance Day. Year 4 pupil Stefan Dermanski lays a wreath. November | Pilgrim’s Progress | 13 Reading Challenge Reward winners, (l-r) Evie Houghton, Phoebe Hickson, Darcey Rodger (back, middle), Grace Elliott (middle), Holly Chapman (front, middle), Phoebe Cain and Zayne Khan, enjoy an afternoon of dance.
Promoting A Passion For Reading
A Reading Rewards Challenge has been helping to put the passion into one of the Academy’s biggest focuses for the year. Reading has been prioritised in all subject areas to improve confidence, enjoyment and the ability to access the full curriculum.
A new points-based rewards system is encouraging more frequent reading, both at school and at home, and at the end of every term, the children now receive a Rewards Afternoon where they can take part in activities themed around an author or topic. They also earn Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates for the number of points they accrue, culminating in a prize of a new book and a special mention in assembly if they achieve 100 points.
Kayleigh Plumtree, Curriculum Leader for English, said: “Reading is a key focus here at the Academy and we are implementing a lot of new strategies, and developing some existing strategies, to encourage the children to be passionate and active in reading throughout the year. We have introduced a buddy system, across the Academy. Each class is paired up with another class; all children within the class are paired up with another child in that class; during the week, there is a 20-minute slot where they listen to each other read.
14 | Pilgrim’s Progress | November Getting thoroughly stuck in to their football reward are (l-r) Leo Speight, Tommy Easton, Aaron Tye and Abigail Bevers’ excitement at the Reading Leycoln-Joe McLaughlin. Challenge Reward bubbles over.
“All children are also provided with a list of recommended books to read which earn them three bonus points for each one they read; they earn two bonus points if they read books from different genres and a variety of non-fiction and poetry; they can also earn bonus points if they write a book review.
“We have developed our guided reading slots, so there is a wider focus on a variety of skills so that children are exposed to a greater range of texts. Every class has a reading book, and at the end of the day the teacher reads to them. This is usually a book decided by the teacher and the pupils together to further encourage a love and passion for reading. We are also making stronger links with our local library.”
Dancing their hearts out are (l-r) Olivia MacGillivray, Holly Robbins, Amelia Cooke, Skye Louise Wright, Lauren Chase and Amelia De Sainte Croix. November | Pilgrim’s Progress | 15 Road Safety Officer Says: Take Your Headphones Off While Crossing Roads
Road safety was top of the agenda when Humberside Fire Brigade visited the Academy to talk to the young pupils. The talks covered everything from crossing the road safely to wearing helmets while cycling and taking off headphones while crossing the road. An additional talk centred on seatbelt safety was had with the older children.
Road Safety Advocate, John Rowland said: Pupil Lilly Oakland said: “I have been teaching the children about “We learnt to always wear seatbelts in the importance of road safety, and also vehicles and helmets while riding bikes, and a crash car scenario. We have also been to wear long sleeves on bikes and scooters stressing the importance of wearing seat and high visibility clothing. We were also belts. They were very attentive and I was told not to wear headphones while crossing impressed with how much they listened the road. It was really interesting.” and how well behaved they were.”
John Rowland, Road Safety Advocate with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, chats with Pilgrim Academy Year 5 and 6 pupils (l-r) Lilly Oakland, Liam Raithby, Robert Buzea, Lucas Elmes, Charlotte Clark and Maya Khan. 16 | Pilgrim’s Progress | November The children help to pack the shoeboxes bound for Moldova and Liberia. Pupils Help Volunteers Pack Parcels For Less Fortunate Children Key Stage Two School Council members helped volunteers to pack Christmas shoeboxes for children less fortunate than themselves.
The pupils visited the Operation Christmas Shoebox Appeal warehouse, at the Ice House in Grimsby, where last year 22,000 shoeboxes were packed and sent to children abroad.
Karen Lepley, Warehouse Supervisor, explained: “I showed the children all the items that are donated throughout the year for the shoeboxes, including handmade items. They were also shown the process of putting them together, and each pupil got to pack a shoebox and make sure they were full of items that are fun, full and varied.
Year 5 pupils, Charlie Hodson and Maisie Carter, are pictured with “I think seeing this operation helps give the children Karen Lepley, Warehouse Supervisor, at the Operation Christmas a sense of appreciation of how well off we are and Shoebox Appeal warehouse at The Ice House, Grimsby. that there are children much less fortunate than themselves. The gift box is sometimes the only gift these children ever receive. We are delivering to Moldova and Liberia this year.”
Year 5 pupil, Charlie Hodson (9) said: “This was very interesting. I thought there would only be a couple of hundred shoeboxes, not thousands. Also, I Pilgrim Academy children and their Principal Andy Clark, thought people got paid to work here not with the shoeboxes they packed for children less fortunate than themselves. With them is Operation Christmas Shoebox volunteers.” Appeal Warehouse Supervisor, Karen Lepley. November | Pilgrim’s Progress | 17 Cracking Quiz Raises Money For Children In Need
Pupils raised £258.38 through a variety of activities for Children In Need.
The children wore their own clothes for the day and the theme was “Get Together” so many came dressed in a similar way, in either spotty or sporty clothing.
They also took part in a timed QR code scavenger hunt all about Children In Need, which required the children to work as a team. Answering questions on their laptops, they had to scan the codes around the school to find the correct answers. Wrong answers incurred a time penalty and the team that took the shortest time to complete the quiz won.
The activity created a lot of excitement around the Academy. For some children, it was their first time interacting with QR codes and seeing a fully-working scratch game.
Pilgrim Academy pupils dress up in spotty and sporty clothing and take part in a computer quiz to raise money for Children in Need. Pictured with their laptop are (l-r) Oscar Lambert, Jacob Clark and Lily Hooker. v 18 | Pilgrim’s Progress | November Exhibition Celebrates Extraordinary World
An exhibition showcased the tremendous work put in by pupils as they researched the topic ‘Around The World’. The children visited each continent and learnt about the country’s culture, habitats and animals. They then worked together on a variety of projects to produce a range of fantastic work. Pilgrim Academy ‘All Around The World’ Exhibition. Pictured are Daisy-Mae Easton and brother Tommy with mum Amy (right) and Year 1 Teacher, Charlotte Jennings.
The children’s work was displayed in the exhibition and their parents were invited along to see all the magnificent things the children had produced.
Cody Gibbard (Year 2) and Grandad Paul Gibbard. December | Pilgrim’s Progress | 19 Historian Stuart Davies, of Portals To The Past, at Pilgrim Academy for an Ancient Greek Day. He is pictured with Year 5 and 6 pupils who took part in the panto, Theseus and the Minotaur. Ancient Greece Brought To Life In Panto
Ancient Greece in all its glory was brought to life when Year 5 and 6 pupils got a visit from historian Stuart Davies from ‘Portals To The Past.’
Charlotte Clark takes flight. Charlie Hodson in action in the pantomime. 20 | Pilgrim’s Progress | December His production of Theseus and the Minotaur, with pupils in the roles of Greek characters, Year 5/6 Teacher, Jordan Gibbon, said: was a spectacular finale to the topic of ‘Ancient Greece’ which the children had been studying all “This was a fantastic term. way to complete this The pupils took part in a variety of Greek workshop activities to consolidate, extend and deepen their knowledge on areas that they topic for the children, had not covered in class. who put all of their The day included: a general overview knowledge to the test. of Ancient Greece, a quiz, a The visit by Stuart democratic vote, a puzzle, a Greek game involving counters, a showcase Davies was the icing of Greek armour, an attack and on the cake and was defence activity, and finally the thoroughly enjoyed Greek pantomime of Theseus and the Minotaur. by everyone, with
The lessons learnt on Greek democracy were then applied during the pupils tackling a Shared Learning Afternoon with parents, in which the parents voted on whether they wanted to save Ancient Greece or get rid their roles with great of it based on how persuasive their children’s arguments were. enthusiasm.”
Stuart Davies, from Portals To The Past, with children Charlie Hodson, Tilly Score and Zara Marcheva in a scene from the pantomime. December | Pilgrim’s Progress | 21 Parents Help Make ChristMAS Baubles
Pilgrim Academy FS2 children make Christmas baubles with their parents. Pictured (top) is Bethany Harness (4) with her mum Rebecca Garrod.
(Right) Maddie Shepherd (4).
22 | Pilgrim’s Progress | December Pilgrim Academy FS1 and FS2 pupils who performed Mary’s Knitting.
Pilgrim Production Of Mary’s Knitting Proves Popular
Nursery and Reception children put on a spectacular Christmas performance of Mary’s Knitting watched by parents, carers and families.
Mary’s baby is nearly due and she hasn’t anything to keep it warm. She’ll have to knit a blanket on her way to Bethlehem. She’s uncomfortable and hungry, but with the help of some nearby shepherds and a few wise men, her knitting needles still manage their ‘clickity-click’ all the way. But will she finish the blanket in time? Jack Lambert and Bethany Harness as Mary and Joseph.
Chloe Steward, Isla-Rae Probert-Short, Charlie Sparkes. Jack Lambert, Daniel Fisher, Daisy Binnion. December | Pilgrim’s Progress | 23 The Reluctant Dragon tells his friend: “I don’t breathe fire - I just like reading!” Dragon’s Tale Enthralls Young Children
Image Musical Theatre has been delighting pupils at Pilgrim Academy for a number of years now with performances such as The Selfish Giant and Robin Hood. This year’s offering, The Reluctant Dragon, did not disappoint and children were enthralled by the beautiful and moving tale of a dragon found living in the hills, and the young boy who befriends him. Some of the children were even lucky enough to perform in the play alongside the actors.
Kayleigh Plumtree, Curriculum Leader for English, said: “We hope that bringing a live theatre into the Academy will give our own budding actors, actresses and writers something to aspire to and provide all children with a love of Literature and The Arts.”
Pilgrim Academy children took part in the production.
Fighting doesn’t solve anything boys. Everyone loved the action. 24 | Pilgrim’s Progress | January Early Years Pupils Celebrate Cultural Differences
Early Years pupils celebrated Chinese New Year as part of the curriculum in which they study and understand the similarities and differences between themselves and others.
This is, in part, covered through celebrating religious celebrations and festivals, which are planned throughout the year and experienced by the children. It is then developed through the Religious Education curriculum, as the pupils progress through Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
To celebrate the start of Chinese New Year, parents and carers were invited for a creative craft afternoon. Children explored this festival whilst developing all the characteristics of effective learning. The classroom was full of fire-breathing dragons and Chinese lanterns as pupils celebrated the “Year of the Rat.” The children were very proud of their work and when the dragons were finished, they paraded their models throughout the Academy, whilst playing instruments, accompanied by regional music. Pilgrim Academy children celebrate Chinese New Year. The Early Years curriculum is designed to link clearly with the curriculum across the Academy, and support progression as the children enter Key Stage 1 and then Key Stage 2. For example, the children learned to use tools and materials safely, which links with Art & Design; they talked about past and present events, which is developed further through History; and they recognised, created and described patterns, which supports their Mathematical development.
Pilgrim Academy Early Years Lead, Julia Somerscales, said: “This was a great event, not only to celebrate the start of Chinese New Year but also for the children to show the skills they are working on.”
Early Years Teacher, Leanne Kapka, said: “Not only did the children showcase their skills but also their fabulous behaviour and co-operation with one another.”
FS2 pupil Sophie Hickson said: “I enjoyed making my lantern; it will float into the sky.”
Leo Arnett (4) learns all about Chinese New Year. January | Pilgrim’s Progress | 25 Pilgrim Academy children dress up as Times Tables Rock Stars to celebrate the introduction Times Tables Rock Stars includes fun of the interactive website. They are (l-r) Harry Franklin, Charlotte Clark and Zack Arnett. aspects such as a choice of avatars.
Rock On! Interactive Maths Site Helps Pupils Prepare For Compulsory Times Tables Checks
Tollbar Multi Academy Trust gave its Primary pupils another string to their bow as it geared up for the Government’s compulsory introduction of Year 4 Times Tables checks, which were due to come into force this year. The MAT subscribed to interactive website Times Tables Rock Stars, to promote further development and enjoyment of Maths at its Primary Academies.
In 2020, all state-funded maintained facilitator to the Maths that sits on 7th out of 26 nearby schools in schools and academies (including top. We have always believed that. terms of speed to answer questions free schools) in England were due to “The National Year 4 checks correctly. Over half of all pupils administer an online multiplication are all about remembering the have already been on the website. tables check (MTC) to Year 4 pupils. multiplication facts. That does not We currently have an 87% average The national curriculum specifies mean we will forget all about the accuracy across all children who that pupils should be taught to recall concepts, patterns, structures and have so far used the system to the multiplication tables up to and relationships in multiplication. We practise their times tables. In our including 12×12 by the end of Year 4. are going to be learning those too, first Battle of the Bands, where partly because they go hand in two classes compete against each At Pilgrim Academy, pupils were hand with excellent recall. other to see who can get the most already reaping the rewards of questions right, as it stands, after logging on to Times Tables Rock “Times Tables Rock Stars has many two days, they have managed to Stars, which also found favour in aspects to it and will be used in correctly answer 30,000 times many schools across the country. class and, hopefully, at home. tables questions between them. There are lots of competitions and Andy Clark, Principal of Pilgrim ways pupils can earn prizes, such “We are all still getting used to using Academy, explained: as buying new wigs for their rock Times Tables Rock Stars and staff “Maths is a huge subject and we star avatar!” are going through it in more detail appreciate that there is more to it with all of our pupils. Each pupil than times tables. However, a lot After just one week of using the has a user name and password and of the rich and interesting Maths website, pupils, parents and this is all fully compliant with data is all about the multiplicative teachers could clearly see the protection guidelines. Later this relationships, and these are hard advantages. term we will invite parents in for a to fully grasp without fluent session to find out more about how recall of the times tables. For Mr Clark continued: Rock Stars works and how their that reason, learning the tables “Of the stats we have received after children will benefit from using it.” is fundamental as they are a key just one week, Pilgrim was ranked
26 | Pilgrim’s Progress | January Sequencing Lessons With The Help Of Chris Quigley Greater Learning Across The Curriculum
Long-term learning and sequencing of lessons is being supported across the curriculum at Pilgrim Academy through the use of Chris Quigley Education Resources.
One of the key focuses this year has been to ensure that pupils develop knowledge and skills across a very wide range of curriculum areas. The curriculum is designed to ensure lessons are sequenced across the Academy and across units of work, to ensure knowledge and skills are built upon and developed as children progress from Early Years through to Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
Andy Clark, Principal of Pilgrim Academy, explained: “The new Chris Quigley resources have supported staff in helping to develop this sequencing through a series of milestones. In addition, the resources support staff in identifying particular aspects of knowledge that can be assessed to see whether pupils are working at a basic, advanced or deeper level.
“For example, Years 3 and 4 are looking at the Stone Age this term as part of their thematic work and a topic that could be covered might link to food and farming: A pupil working at a basic level would be able to identify how people found food during the Stone Age; someone working at an advanced level, would be able to explain the difference between scavenging and hunting; whereas, a pupil showing a deep understanding, would be able to investigate the social and cultural diversity of our early human ancestors.”
Another example of this is with Year 5 and 6 pupils who are studying World War II this term.
Year 5/6 Teacher, Mr Gibbon, said: “In the first three-week cycle of the WWII unit, we have been learning about the Battle of Britain. This work has included comprehension, database creation, memory writing and more. In one lesson we discussed the concept of praise and why the soldiers deserved to be praised. We then researched the different war medals, specifically focussing on the colours chosen for the Battle of Britain medals. We had two separate stations for the practical part of the lesson: one to measure, cut, paint and create the ribbon; the other to soften, roll and mould the clay. In a later lesson we then combined them both and added final touches by applying gold paint and glitter.
“The children have been greatly enthused by the topic and enjoy the research aspect of the task, as well as the practical element of producing the war medals. A number of skills have been covered across this segment of the topic. These include Design & Technology skills, such as being able to cut materials with Some of the WWII medals made by Pilgrim Academy pupils. precision and refine the finish with appropriate tools, as well as showing an understanding of the qualities of materials to choose appropriate tools to cut and shape.
“Historical skills explored have included, using sources of evidence to deduce information about the past, and pupils have developed artistic skills through showing precision in techniques.
“Alongside our teaching, our curriculum is designed to support wider knowledge and skills through enrichment opportunities. Our Year 5 and 6 pupils will be visiting the Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln in March, where they will have a full tour and then participate in a workshop, led by the team from the centre.” Year 5 pupils make WWII medals out of clay and decorate them. (L-r) Jasmine Wingfield, Daisy Walker, Aaron Tye and Layton Foskett. January | Pilgrim’s Progress | 27 Senior staff and pupils celebrate the ‘Good’ Ofsted report at Pilgrim Academy. They are: Mrs Carolyn France (Assistant Principal); Miss Kayleigh Plumtree (Vice Principal); Mr David Hampson (CEO Tollbar Multi Academy Trust); Mr Andrew Clark (Executive Head); Miss Julia Somerscales (Assistant Principal). Children, Back Row l-r: Brooke Smith, Brooke Fleming, Robert Buzea, and JJ Chase. Front Row: Ben Searby, Chloe Steward, Zayne Khan and Grace Elliott. Ofsted: Academy Judged ‘Good’ After Joining Tollbar Multi Academy Trust
Pilgrim Academy was judged ‘Good’ across the board by Ofsted, less than three years after it opened as a member of Tollbar Multi Academy Trust.
The previous school, Allerton Primary, had been judged to provide excellence for the young people of to require improvement, following inspections in 2013 and Immingham.” 2016, prior to it joining the Trust and becoming Pilgrim Academy in April 2017. The report described Pilgrim Academy as “a friendly school where pupils feel safe and happy.” It said This was the first full Ofsted inspection since the Academy pupils talk positively about recent improvements at the opened and it was judged ‘Good’ in all areas including: school, including the things they learn in lessons. the Quality of Education; Behaviour and Attitudes; Personal Development; Leadership and Management; and Early Years The inspector said the new Headteacher and new Senior provision. Leaders have made lots of positive changes which have helped to improve the quality of education at the Academy. Andy Clark, Principal of Pilgrim Academy, said: As a result of this, teaching has improved so that pupils are “I am absolutely delighted with the findings of the making good progress. inspection team. The Academy has significantly improved since becoming part of Tollbar MAT in He pointed out that “there has been a determined April 2017. A number of staff have been part of this effort to improve pupils’ learning and progress journey from the beginning and there has been in reading, writing and Mathematics, particularly further new teaching strength added by the MAT. I across Key Stage 2.” would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication. He added: “Pupils behaviour and attitudes to learning have “I am so pleased for and proud of our children. They improved and classrooms are typically calm and are fantastic and a credit to us and their families. I well-ordered places to learn. hope that the inspection findings will be a massive boost to the local area and Immingham as a whole, “Leaders have led a drive to improve the teaching as we continue to contribute to the town’s drive of reading: new resources, staff training and a clear
28 | Pilgrim’s Progress | February programme for teaching phonics daily Mathematics and phonics some of our curriculum leaders. have all helped to improve pupils’ sessions. Consequently, they are I am fully aware that there are reading across the school. The well prepared for their move into always improvements to be made, phonics programme is carefully Year 1.” and that process began the day followed and any pupils who fall after we received our excellent behind are identified quickly so The report said the Academy still has feedback. As the report indicates, that they can be given extra help areas in which it can improve, and improvements in the curriculum to catch up.” highlights attendance as one of those have been rapid and significant areas, whilst acknowledging the “raft and will continue to go from In Maths, the report said “a coherent of actions” taken. The inspector strength to strength – we are all and embedded plan helps teachers advised leaders to review and refine very excited about where we can to build pupils’ knowledge and skills the attendance procedures to ensure take the Academy. over time. Teachers’ good subject greater impact. knowledge is used well to explain new “This report recognises everything ideas and effective questioning is used Mr Clark said: we have done and will now to check pupils’ understanding. “As you would expect, the continue to do – our drive is to inspection was extremely become outstanding.” The Academy’s introduction of a new rigorous. During the two days, curriculum planned around termly the three inspectors visited parts David Hampson, Chief Executive of themes has, he said, “led to well of lessons on over 40 occasions. Tollbar Multi Academy Trust, said: thought out sequences of work in In addition to speaking to “I am extremely proud of the some subjects.” He added that there children during lessons, more outcomes for the staff and pupils is still room for improvement here with than 50 children were spoken to of Pilgrim Academy. This once further training for teachers required. separately, in small meetings with again reflects my belief that inspectors, where they listened given the appropriate support The report said pupils with special to the children read; looked at accompanied by the raising education needs and/or disabilities are their books; and asked them a of aspirations, all children can included well in the life of the school. wide range of questions, covering succeed. We need to build on this aspects such as safeguarding; success, to ensure the Academy Early Years has been a strong feature behaviour; teaching and outcomes progress even further.” of the Academy, following excellent enrichment opportunities. I would leadership over the last number of like to take this opportunity to Philip Bond, Chair of TMAT, said: years. Pupils have consistently achieved thank the parents and our wider “The Trust is delighted with the above the national level for those families for their continued ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted. When who have reached a good level of support and their contributions Pilgrim first joined us it was development. during the actual visit. regarded as a school that was failing its students. So much work As the report recognised: “The new government framework, has been done by the Trust and its “The Early Years curriculum has which focuses heavily on the staff to completely re-energise the been well developed to interest curriculum, has meant a real school, and this acknowledgement and engage children. A wide change in direction for primary by Ofsted is a tribute to the range of well-planned activities schools across the country and, in hard work that has been put in capture their imagination. some areas, we still have some by everyone to turn the school Children in Nursery and Reception work to do, particularly in terms around.” are well looked after and of providing even more training behave well. They benefit from and learning opportunities for
Children in the classroom at Pilgrim Academy where Ofsted says the quality of education has improved wholeheartedly under the guidance of Tollbar Multi Academy Trust. February | Pilgrim’s Progress | 29 ‘Passionate’ Team Wins Gymnastics Trophy
Young gymnasts won a trophy for ‘Performing With Passion’ at the KS2 Gymnastics Competition, held at Grimsby Twist and Flip Gymnastics Academy.
The team of Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 girls took part in a series of different competitive disciplines such as vault, floor and body management, which were judged by the Gymnastics Coaches running the event.
Pupils had to perform specific routines for each discipline, which they had practiced at their After-School Gymnastics Club with Curriculum Leader for PE, Holly Thompson.
She said: “At the end of the competition the coaches from Grimsby Twist and Flip awarded a trophy for a team that they thought had performed with passion throughout the day, which is one of the School Games’ values. The girls were lucky enough to win this award for their efforts at the competition. The team tried extremely hard throughout the competition and really enjoyed this new experience. Well done to them all.”
Gymnastics Teacher Holly Thompson with the team of gymnasts from the Academy who won a trophy for their passionate performance at the KS2 Competition. 30 | Pilgrim’s Progress | February ‘120-Mile’ Academy Skipathon Raises Funds For Sport Relief
Pupils at Pilgrim and Reynolds Academies 2, and Pilgrim had the best class scores for Year 3 and 4, skipped roughly the equivalent of 120 miles and Year 5 and 6. The children received certificates for their efforts. per Academy for Sport Relief. Dressed in sportswear, the pupils in all age groups took Andy Clark, Pilgrim Academy Principal, said: part in the skipathon throughout the day in “The children at both Academies did a 20-minute slots, with every child skipping for fantastic job for Sport Relief and we are roughly 4 minutes each. Each child donated so very proud of their efforts. We are still £1 for Sports Relief. working out how much they raised.” In total, the children recorded a massive 39,199 skips - the equivalent of the distance from Immingham to Manchester.
Reynolds PE Teacher, Dan Coulling, came up with a formula for working out how far the children had skipped. He said: “Ten minutes of jumping rope can roughly be considered the equivalent of running an eight- minute mile. Every child skipped for 4 minutes. There are roughly 25 children per class. So 4 minutes x 25 children = 100 minutes of skipping per class. 100 minutes x 12 classes (including Foundation stage) = 1200 minutes of skipping. 1200 minutes divided by 10 (minutes to one mile) = 120 miles altogether.”
In terms of competition between the two Academies, who are both members of Tollbar Multi Academy Trust, Pilgrim Academy pupils take part in a Skipathon for Sport Reynolds Academy had the best class total for Year 1 and Relief. Pictured (front) is Reception pupil Erin Drinkell (5).
Pilgrim Academy Skipathon. Pictured in the background are the Academy’s Sports Leaders who helped run the event. March | Pilgrim’s Progress | 31 Pupils Among Special Guests At Opening Of Town’s New Heritage Trail
Pilgrim Academy pupils were invited to attend the official opening of Immingham’s new Heritage Trail, commemorating its link to the Mayflower Pilgrims.
2020 marked the 400-year anniversary of the Mayflower’s journey to the New World, and it presented Immingham with a unique opportunity to maximise its visitor attractions.
The new Heritage Trail takes visitors on a walk from the museum to the church, the Pilgrim Fathers Monument and Mill Lane, bringing to life local history along the way, with permanent information boards and maps.
The completion of the trail marks the final phase of the Pilgrims in Immingham project, funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) through a LEADER project designed to support cultural and heritage activity in rural areas. The project was also part- funded by Associated British Ports.
Academy children experience the new Heritage Trail.
Pilgrim Academy Pupils attend the official opening of Immingham’s new Heritage Trail. Garry Crossland, of Immingham Museum, is pictured officially cutting the first trail board outside the museum with Cllr Callum Procter, Cabinet member for Tourism. 32 | Pilgrim’s Progress | March The funding has also helped to create a new permanent exhibition in its museum and a new dedicated website www.imminghamheritage.co.uk to support the town’s heritage offer to visitors, centred on the Pilgrims who sailed on the Mayflower ship in 1620.
The map of the new Heritage Trail in Immingham.
Andy Clark, Principal of Pilgrim Academy, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity for the children to walk the trail and find out more about the town’s history. This is something we have covered extensively in school through a variety of projects, and the children were very eager to take part in the opening of the trail and be some of the first to experience it. We are grateful to the council for including us in this and we are very supportive of the new visitor attractions.
Pupils attend the official opening of Immingham’s new Heritage Trail. They are (l-r) Lydon Cooke (5), Maisie Carter (9), and Chloe Steward (5), with volunteers Kaye Pool (left) and Linda Ladlow, dressed as Pilgrims. March | Pilgrim’s Progress | 33 Year 2 children celebrate World Book Day dressed as characters from books that were made into films. Pictured are (l-r) Jacob Clark, Mia Goodwin, Lexi Hynes, Esme Crockett, Olivia Emery, Corey Binnon and Phoebe Hickson. Fictional Characters Come Alive On World Book Day
‘From Book To Film’ was the theme of World Book Day at the Academy where children celebrated the occasion by dressing up as their favourite characters.
All classes chose different books and completed activities centred around their chosen book throughout the day. Examples of books chosen included Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter and Gangsta Granny.
Children from Years 5 and 6 visited Tollbar Academy, where reading workshops were led by the Sixth Form pupils. Year 2 pupils visited Reynolds Academy to complete reading activities and discuss their chosen books and characters.
Andy Clark, Principal of Pilgrim Academy said: “We encouraged the children to share their chosen book with other pupils across the school throughout the day to continue to promote a love of reading and sharing stories.”
34 | Pilgrim’s Progress | March Pilgrim’s Progress | 35 Pilgrim Academy
Principal Andrew Clark, BA (Hons).
Allerton Drive, Immingham, North East Lincolnshire, DN40 2HP
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Pilgrim Academy is part of the Tollbar Multi-Academy Trust Whilst the contents of Pilgrim’s Progress are considered correct at the date of publication and every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, it has been provided from a number of sources and the Academy cannot and does not accept any liability for this information. It is the responsibility of readers to check the accuracy of relevant facts and opinions given in this yearbook before entering into any commitment based upon them.