The Library was totally refurbished, expanded and updated in 2007 and now has an escalating collection of more than 8500 items – so has something to cater for most tastes.
As well as books, there are a range periodicals and daily newspapers to browse. The library now houses the Careers material making it more accessible to students. There is a growing collection of audio cassettes/CDs, DVDs, articles and posters available to borrow.
Every student and member of staff is automatically a member of the library and by borrowing resources they agree to return them on time and in good condition.
A professionally qualified Librarian manages the library, and is supported at break and lunchtimes by a small group of dedicated student helpers.
Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday 8.00am – 1.00pm & 1.25pm – 4.00pm
Friday 8.00am – 1.00pm & 1.25pm – 3.00pm
All Year 7, 8 and 9 students have the opportunity to visit library at least once a fortnight as part of a timetabled lesson with their English teacher, and the library enjoys a particularly strong relationship with the English Department. Year 7 students undertake a library induction as well as a series of information skills lessons.
All students have access to the library before school, at breaktimes, lunchtimes and after school until 4.00pm on Monday – Thursday where a Homework Club runs and the Librarian is available to help.
The Library is “zoned” allowing flexibility for students and staff to do individual or group reading/studying, research on the PCs or informal learning such as reading of books and/or magazines and newspapers. The library’s layout is flexible for a whole class to be accommodated in one area, while a small group can revise or study in another part of the library.
There is also a listening post and access to audio books available for students to use. We have 6-networked PCs with Internet access and a printer/scanner/photocopier. Additionally, there is access to the Chris Warwick Courtyard that is available as a quiet reading area in the summer months and this attractive area has a science theme.
The library catalogue, “Eclipse.Net” is available for everyone to access on the school network, where resource details can be viewed and reserved, multimedia clips of authors discussing their books and access to over 9000 approved website links to support the book stock we have in the library. Students are also actively encouraged to write reviews of titles they have read for others to access.
Throughout the year a range of library and book activities are organised. In the last year this has included a group of Year 10 students shadowing the Teenage Book Trust Prize, Year 9 following the Carnegie Book Award, a Scholastic Bookfair aimed at Years 7 & 8 and events and competitions to celebrate National Poetry Day and Book Week.
Year 9 Students (plus Librarian) shadowing the Carnegie Book Award
at St Alban’s RC School, Ipswich.
Librarian: Mr C Martin BSc (Hons) PgDipILS, PgDipEd
Library Assistant: Mrs R Watson
