Open minds

By Tabitha Iles, Head of English

When I joined Sherborne Prep as Head of English, I was struck by the school’s commitment to creativity and character. It made me reflect more deeply: how do we empower children to be confident, curious and creative? How do we help them believe in themselves?

The answer, I’ve found, lies in creativity and the quiet power of self-belief. Every child has creative potential – even those who are reluctant readers or who find writing difficult. It begins early. Spend five minutes with a Pre-Prep pupil and you’ll see the world through a lens of wonder: a snail on a leaf, a cloud shaped like a bear, a vivid dream retold with conviction. Their imaginations are fearless. If we nurture that spark, they become natural storytellers and bold communicators.

In the autumn, we hosted two ‘Book at Breakfast’ events for our youngest children. Parents joined us before the start of the school day for shared stories and croissants. Children and grown-ups alike were drawn into the magic of storytelling. The delight on every face reminded us of something simple but powerful: stories connect us.

In my experience, creative writing – especially poetry – is the key that unlocks confidence. Poetry offers freedom. There are no strict rules. Sentences can trail off. Punctuation becomes playful. A few short lines can hold powerful emotion. Children who once said “I’m not very good at writing” often discover their voice through poetry.

This confidence came to life during our Year 6 Creative Writing Evening. Pupils read their own poems aloud, sharing the inspiration behind each one. Some of the most powerful moments came from those who had previously doubted their ability. To see them speak with pride, beaming at their families, was incredibly moving.

We run events like this throughout the year – bringing staff, parents and pupils together to celebrate creativity in all its forms. And who knows? Perhaps some brave parents will soon be reading their poems to the children.

At the heart of all this is belief – in each child’s imagination, their voice, and their ability to express who they are. Through creative learning and shared experiences, we’re not just teaching English. We’re opening minds.