The P3 Pirates thematic unit is built around the mentor text How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long, supporting ELA curriculum-aligned literacy learning alongside an expedition with BUEI on the Spirit of Bermuda in Dockyard as part of the Horizons Programme.

Below are four short literacy mini-lessons, each thematically linked to the mentor text and focused on key P3 literacy skills. Before completing a mini-lesson, please read How I Became a Pirate with your class, as the lessons build on pupils’ understanding of the story. A link to a read-aloud of the mentor text is provided below. If you would like a free physical copy of the mentor text (thanks to our generous donors) for use in your classroom, please complete the “Book Order Sign-Up” form using the link below. Each mini-lesson includes a comprehensive Teacher Guide with clear delivery steps, suggested teacher prompts, assessment look-fors and differentiation strategies. Classes that complete a mini lesson and submit feedback will be offered priority sign-up for the Pirates expedition onboard the sloop. The submission deadline for the mini lesson is 3pm on the 4th of  March 2026. The priority sign up link will be sent at 8am on the 5th of March to those that have completed and submitted feedback. 

These mini-lessons are offered as an optional resource to support your teaching and to help prepare pupils for the Horizons learning journey. The Vocabulary Voyage lessons complement the expedition by supporting pupils’ oral language, vocabulary development and thinking skills in advance of the expedition.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to introduce the Vocabulary Voyager Award as part of our Teacher Awards, celebrating educators who champion literacy through experiential learning.

Each mini lesson:

  • Is curriculum-aligned
  • Includes a short written element
  • Takes 15–20 minutes
  • Can be completed independently

Following your mini-lesson, you must complete the feedback form and upload at least one photograph of pupils’ work in order to be eligible for priority sign-up. The photo upload link can be found in your initial email or under the “Teacher Information” heading below (labelled “Photo Upload Link”). This allows us to celebrate children’s learning, recognise the wonderful work taking place in classrooms, and share ideas and inspiration across our school community.

Mini Lessons

Mentor Text

Teacher Information