Library and Resource Centre
The Library is often described as “the heart of the school”. It is much used by staff and students and has a wealth of resources to support delivery of the curriculum. The Library is managed by Mrs Debbie Manton who is on hand to help students access resources and find the information they are looking for. Mrs Manton liaises closely with departments over resource needs and curriculum developments.
Access to Learning
The Library is open from 8.30 am until 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. The Library can be booked by teachers during lesson time for project work. Literacy lessons for Years 7, 8 and 9 are held in the Library and students have access to computer programmes such as Starspell, Electronic Library, Lexia and Wordshark to help improve their standard of literacy across the curriculum. Students can use the Library at breakfast time, break time and lunch time for recreational reading and research. Homework Club is from 3.30 pm every day where students benefit from one to one help with their homework or coursework.
IT Resources
There are twelve school networked computers in the Library with access to the internet and educational programmes in curriculum subjects. Students are encouraged to use BBC Bitesize and Samlearning to revise and test their knowledge. Students can use reading and publishers websites to research their favourite books and authors.
Reading
The Library has a range of fiction and non-fiction books suitable for younger and older readers. As part of our literacy across the curriculum policy, all students in KS3 should have a reading book with them at all times. Students can borrow two books for two weeks. The aim is simply to read a little from a book every day and build up to reading a book a week. Year 7’s have the opportunity during morning registration to select a book, be heard read or practice spellings. There is a reading area designed for comfort and privacy which students can use during reading lessons or for recreational reading.
A key part of the Librarian’s role is to promote reading, support pupils growth as independent readers and help students to progress with their reading. The Librarian can recommend good books to suit all tastes and levels. Students are encouraged to review what they have read and recommend books to their friends.
Events
Special events in the Library include World Book Day and book week, readathons, book fairs, polls of favourite books, competitions and quizzes. The Library has a “Swap a Book” scheme for pupils to exchange books or magazines with friends or to donate books to the Library or their form room.
The Library adjoins the Careers Library where students can find information on occupations and further education. Parents of prospective students can come into the Library during the school’s Open Evening to see the resources available and displays of pupils work.