Library
The School Library is a happy and thriving place of academic study and a well-resourced area offering a wide range of information and resources for Year 7 – 13. There is a comprehensive stock of books, journals and DVDs together with 15 computers meeting not only the academic needs of students, but encouraging their leisure reading. All students can access the full cloud-based Library catalogue and online resources via their one-to-one devices and the Student Portal at any time.
Introduced to the Library in their first year, students are encouraged to use the space for independent and group study and visit it for teaching sessions. Timetabled Library lessons are part of the Year 7 curriculum and also take place for classes at Key Stage 3 in both timetabled curriculum lessons and Form time. Sixth Form students have academic research skills lessons with the senior librarian. The space is also used for research for the Extended Project Qualification in Years 12 and 13.
Open Monday to Friday during term time from 8.30 – 4.30p.m. (3.45p.m. on a Friday) students may use the Library before and after school, at break and lunch times or during self-study sessions.
The large stock includes specialised books aimed at older students, non-fiction for all subjects and classic and modern fiction with authors from Austen to Wilson. There are special Literature and History collections aimed at A Level and GCSE students. A recent addition is a Tied Ref specialist section for students to extend their background reading for subjects. New texts are bought regularly to ensure a modern and up to date library suitable for all ages. There is a book of the month on display chosen by one of the students.
The Library also stores the archives of the school and the past yearbooks. The main wall display reflects the year, world events and special occasions. The entire Library calalogue can be searched using the electronic Library system which all students and staff have access to.
Student Librarians help with library activities and jobs as well as recommending books to their peers.