Main School Library (KS 3/4)
The Library is managed by Mrs Hutton with the help of a team of trained, dedicated and enthusiastic student librarians. The library is a safe, friendly and welcoming environment in which students are given the space and materials to read, study, research and learn.
Opening Times
The library is open every day at social times as follows:
| Before School | 8.00am - 8.25am |
| Break | 11.00am - 11.15am |
| First Lunch (KS4) | 12.15pm – 1.00pm (closed Thursdays) |
| Second Lunch (KS3) | 1.15pm – 2.00pm (closed Wednesdays) |
| After School | 3.00pm - 4.00pm (Friday 3.30pm) |
Resources and Facilities
Students and staff are automatically members of the library. Books can be borrowed for two weeks and can be renewed at any time at the library desk.
The library contains a wide selection of fiction available for all secondary school ages and reading abilities in a variety of formats, including graphic novels and quick reads. The library also has a large non-fiction and reference collection.
Study space is available along with computer and printing access to enable students to carry out research or complete their homework.
Colourful, stimulating and continuously changing displays advertise library resources, clubs, events and information.
Reading Cloud
Using their school login credentials, students can access Reading Cloud (our online library catalogue). Reading Cloud enables users to search for books by title, author, or subject. Students can make book reservations, find out what’s new and trending in the library and they can write reviews on what they’ve read. Reading Cloud can make suggestions about what to read next based on previous loans. Students can also look at reading lists linked to themes and subjects. Using the ‘contact librarian’ feature, students can send Mrs Hutton any messages/questions they may have.
Library Lessons
Year 7 and 8 students have a weekly library lesson as part of their English curriculum where over the year they explore a range of texts, read and complete library-reading challenges. Value points, certificates and prizes are given as part of these challenges.
The Archway Trust Book of the Year Award
In 2021 we launched the Archway Trust Book of the Year Award. Each year the librarians across the trust collaborate to shortlist 6 of the best new books. Students then spend two terms reading and reviewing these books and ultimately voting for their favourite. Students who take part in the award programme receive positive points, pens and pin badges for participation. Our four previous winners have been Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick, Amari and the Night Brothers by BB Alston, The Day No One Woke Up by Polly Ho-Yen and Quiet Storm by Kimberley Whittam. Who will it be this year?
Clubs and Activities
There are two library book clubs, one for Year 7 & 8 students and the other for Year 9. These clubs meet on alternate Wednesday lunch times.
Every year we celebrate World Book Day across the school with a variety of reading related activities and costume competitions.
The library is involved in the school’s annual LitFest where there is a whole school focus on reading and we have many reading related activities happening in lessons and at social times as well as author visits, creative writing workshops and competitions.
Bookbuzz
This year our Year 7s enjoyed selecting a brand new book to keep from the fantastic Bookbuzz collection. The aim of Bookbuzz is to inspire a love of reading in our students through engagement with varied and high-quality books.
Links
Here are some links to some fabulous book related websites as well as the local library service:
Sixth Form Library (KS 5)
The Sixth Form Library is a welcoming space with computers/laptops and plentiful desk space supporting silent independent study. Students can find a range of academic materials to support the school’s curriculum and their studies. These include text and reference books. The library also offers a selection of both modern and classic fiction. Additionally, students can find information regarding careers, study skills and an array of current university prospectuses.
Opening Times
9 am – 3 pm Daily
Links for sixth form:
https://www.ucas.com/
UCAS is the number one site for everything to do with university admissions
https://www.thetimes.com/uk-university-ranking
The definitive Good University Guide from The Times and Sunday Times provides you with league tables for universities and individual degree subjects.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=80
This is the largest and most authoritative student forum based around sixth form and college student issues. Link goes to the section on A-level work.
https://www.thescholarshiphub.org.uk/
The Scholarship hub has an excellent database of sources of financial help at university, and helpful articles on student loans, managing money etc.