We are writers, we are readers,      we are speakers and listeners       ….we are Pilgrim!

 Performance Poetry by The Pilgrim Pupils

 Performance Poetry by our special guests and parents

Speaking and Listening at Pilgrim

The techniques of active speaking and listening are something we work hard on at Pilgrim. 

We create as many real-life and purposeful opportunities as we can. 

Constructive advice and peer suggestions form a crucial part of the process, as we scaffold and support, to enable all children to succeed in speaking aloud. 

As in writing, where we teach the writer to be mindful of their audience; the same is true in oracy. 

Children are taught methods and strategies, language and atmosphere appropriate for the message, task and audience. 

Every day, Pilgrim children are actively encouraged to greet adults and children alike,

to initiate conversation, to enquire after each other's well-being, to respond with compassion and respect. 

Within our reading, we teach prosody and within our speaking we apply the same thought - how we speak can alter the effect of the words we say.

The ability and confidence to ask questions provides the opportunity to extend learning - those skills in the right learning environment aid progress in many areas.

Active and purposeful listening is fundamental too. 

Following instructions, gathering information, being absorbed in description, establishing detail are every day processes. 

Applying knowledge from other parts of the Pilgrim day secures understanding throughout the curriculum eg. knowledge from engaged listening in worship will add substantial depth to classroom learning in many subject areas. 

Listening helps to develop the relationships we value so highly at Pilgrim.

Teachers are skilled and creative in modelling and developing these attributes:

from the low-key informal moments shared together to the larger, planned and performed pieces

- all are important features of the Pilgrim day and all are applicable to life as our children move forward beyond Pilgrim.

Whole school performances, end of year productions, courtroom dramas, subject debates, school council surveys, reading a prayer, performing a poem, forecasting the weather, discussing British values and current affairs, chatting in the Sanctuary.....                          

One of our favourite aspects of Speaking and Listening is PSN (Pilgrim School News). 

A top team of roving reporters update our school on important current affairs and Pilgrim News - their interviews and broadcasts never fail to inform and entertain.