Reading
The School Library
The library is open throughout the school day and provides a vibrant, welcoming space for reading, studying and independent work.
Our collection includes a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles to suit all interests and reading levels, from Year 7 through to Sixth Form. There is something for every reader – from contemporary fiction, timeless classics, dyslexia friendly publications to graphic novels and Manga collections. All students and staff are automatically members of the library. They can borrow up to two items at a time for a period of two weeks, with the option to renew at the end of the loan period. Students wishing to borrow books recommended for older readers can request a YA (14+) Permission Form from the Librarian.
In addition to books, the library offers seven computer workstations for independent study and research.
Library Lessons
Students in Years 7 and 8 take part in regular, dedicated library lessons in their Literacy classes. These sessions encourage reading for pleasure and include a variety of creative tasks which develop confidence and engagement with books.
SIXTH Form
The library is a vital resource for Sixth Form students, offering space and computer access for independent study. They particularly benefit from the library’s silent study policy, which helps maintain a focused environment during lesson times.
Library Activities and Events
The library is not only a place for reading and study, but also a hub for promoting literacy throughout the school year. Regular events include World Book Day, Book Week and the Carnegie Medal Shadowing. Each year, we celebrate National Poetry Day and elect our SJP Poet Laureate. The Laureate writes poems to mark key school events, and his/her work is regularly featured in the school newsletter.
Throughout the year, the library runs reading challenges and competitions, displays new titles, and connects reading with wider historical or social events such as Remembrance Day, Mental Health Awareness Week, and many more.
Students from all year groups are warmly encouraged to set up and run their own lunch time clubs. As a result, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting a variety of activities each term, including Knitting, Movie Chat Group, and Manga Club. Puzzles Club is a daily and very popular library activity, as it encourages problem-solving skills and creative thinking amongst our students.
Reading
Independent personal reading is encouraged throughout the school with every year group between Years 7 to 11 participating in Sparx reader to build reading confidence as well as DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) time on a daily basis. This serves to foster a love of reading for pleasure, whilst also improving literacy skills. This allows teachers to monitor reading habits and make recommendations to provide stretch and challenge. Additionally, in support of academic success, the New Group Reading Test (NGRT) assesses individual reading skills so we can monitor impact and progress made and offer any necessary intervention.
Weekly Literacy activities take place during morning tutor time with Register and Read, where students are provided with a range of engaging fiction and non-fiction texts to read and discuss, which also supports improved comprehension. This is in addition to Word of the Week which promotes a deeper and broader vocabulary to spark a curiosity for language and to understand word origins.
Each tutor group is represented by two Reading Champions who are ambassadors for recommending and sharing books with peers, getting involved with promoting Library competitions and celebrating reading.
