Sherborne Schools Literary Society Event
On Monday 17 November, the Sherborne Prep Assembly Hall became a bright kingdom of curiosity, creativity and criticality as Year 7 pupils from Sherborne Prep and Sherborne Girls gathered with Fourth Form pupils from Sherborne Boys and Sherborne Girls, together with U6 pupils from both schools, to explore the timeless theme of “Tragedy and Comedy: Joy and Sadness in Storytelling.” What unfolded was a celebration of the academic spirit that unites our schools - one that is at once ambitious in its aspirations and deeply inclusive.
Tom W (U6) opened the event with an expansive keynote presentation, introducing the theme to the audience. He identified a dynamic intersection between Tragedy and Comedy (joy and sadness) where stories are able to resonate with and activate readers and audiences.
This exploration then deepened as Fourth Form Academic Scholars/HAP pupils stepped forward to facilitate small-group enquiries with Year 7 pupils. In these intimate circles of discussion, the younger students were encouraged to share their own stories and experiences, and to articulate their own perspectives on stories and storytelling. The Fourth Form facilitators put their facilitation training into action with skill and sensitivity; listening actively, asking searching questions and allowing the joy of collaborative discovery to be shared.
Overseeing the evening were the Sixth Form pupils, whose quiet stewardship ensured that each enquiry unfolded with warmth, rigour, and respect. Their presence gave the younger pupils a powerful sense of academic continuity: a reminder that genuine scholarship is shaped by community and collaboration. Events such as this help to cultivate character, leadership, and a spirit of service. By inviting pupils of different ages to learn from and with one another, we help them to build empathy and the confidence to step forward - whether to speak, to guide, or simply to listen with care.
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