The Library & Information Centre
The library is situated on the ground floor of the Rotunda and is a popular and well-used space that provides a welcoming learning environment for students and staff with reading for pleasure at the heart of everything.
The Library & Information Centre is open throughout the school day, including breaks, lunchtimes and after school until 4pm on Mondays through Thursdays. The Library is closed after school on a Friday, Students are welcome to use the facilities for homework, reading or choosing books.
Students and staff are automatically members of the library. Books can be borrowed and renewed at any time at the library desk. Resources include over 6,000 of the latest fiction and non-fiction books, study guides, career guides, and other reference materials.
Computer and printing access is available to enable students to carry out research or complete their homework. For our KS4 students we have a large collection of the latest course textbooks and revision guides. Colourful, stimulating and continuously changing displays advertise library resources, clubs, events and information.
Opening Times
The library is open every day during break and lunch for students in all year groups. It is also open before school 8:15-8:30am and after school 3-4pm, Monday through Thursday.
Various lunchtime activities are scheduled such as Mission Mondays, Tabletop Tuesdays, Wellness Wednesdays, and Turn-the-Page Thursdays.
Library Lessons
Year 7 and 8 students have a fortnightly library lesson as part of their English curriculum where over the year they explore a range of texts and complete library reading challenges. Positive points, TLES Tokens, and prizes are given as part of these challenges. Students will spend time selecting new books, independently reading in a calmed, relaxed environment, and complete an activity as an extension of their English lesson.
Year 9 and above do not visit as a class, but are invited to use the library before school, social times, and after school to exchange books, complete homework, or revise.
Research has shown that sustained reading every day can improve a child’s reading age and concentration and reduce stress. Through reading, we hope to enhance student learning throughout the school and give students a lifelong love of books and literature.
Borrowing Limits
KS3 – 2 items for 2 weeks
KS4 – 3 items for 3 weeks
Post 16 – 4 items for 4 weeks
Resources:
The resources in the Library include:
- Fiction books, including graphic novels and quick reads
- GCSE and A-Level Revision Materials
- Information books on many different topics
- Careers resources
The Centre also houses a bank of thirty computers, available upon teacher request, or after 3pm for homework and revision.
The Archway Trust Book of the Year
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, TLES raffle tokens, and other prizes for participation. Our previous winners have been Cater Lake by Jennifer Killick and Amari and the Night Brothers by BB Alston. Who will it be this year?
Useful Links:
Browse our online catalogue at https://u021352.microlibrarian.net/
Students can use the online catalogue to browse for books by author, title, or keyword as well as make book reservations and write reviews.
