Lower Sixth Form students at Pocklington School are acting as judges in the prestigious National Short Story Award (NSSA) run by the BBC with Cambridge University.
The students are one of 40 groups selected from schools around the country to read, discuss and critique the five short stories shortlisted for this year’s prize, as part of the Student Critics’ Award scheme.
The NSSA is one of the most sought-after prizes for short stories in the UK, with previous winners and shortlistees including Hilary Mantel, Zadie Smith, William Trevor and Rose Tremain.
Students are reviewing the five short stories using bespoke discussion guides provided by Award organisers to help them read critically and build confidence in expressing their opinions. Although their verdict will not directly feed into the judges’ selection, organisers hope it will help the students develop their critical skills.
Inaayat Hashim, Head of English, said: “This year's Lower Sixth English Literature group have already proved themselves to be exceptional. Now they have been granted an exceptional opportunity as one of 40 schools selected as part of the BBC National Short Story Award 2018.
“As well as scoring terrific IGCSE grades, they have long demonstrated enthusiasm and skill. They care deeply about English Literature; as soon as this opportunity was offered, every single member of the Lower Sixth group signed up on the spot. “
He added: “Although I love my subject, I cannot deny that many of our canonised texts are, by definition, old. The BBC National Short Story Award 2018 is new, fresh - which makes it a huge challenge. There are no established interpretations to fall back on: these students are part of the first wave of critical reception these stories will receive. That is challenging ('Am I right about this?', 'Have I understood the writer's message?') but also thrilling ('There is nothing to contradict me: if I can argue it, it's valid'). “
The NSSA awards £15,000 to the author of the best story of up to 8,000 words and attracted almost 800 entries this year. The shortlist being reviewed by Pocklington School students is all-female and covers a diverse range of themes, from simple acts of kindness in the home to the impact of world events.
The shortlist is:
· ‘To Belong To’ by Kerry Andrew
· ‘Sudden Traveller’ by Sarah Hall
· ‘Van Rensburg’s Card’ by Kiare Ladner
· ‘The Sweet Shop’ by Ingrid Persaud
· ‘The Minutes’ by Nell Stevens
The winner of the NSSA will be announced on October 2nd at Cambridge University in a ceremony broadcast live on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row from 7.15pm.