Library
The collection includes more than 5,000 works of fiction and 7,500 non-fiction books including text books, revision guides, atlases, practical guides and other reference books. It also has seating for quiet reading and for (quiet) group work. It is used all day every day for: Reading – Teaching – Book lending – Private study – Homework – PC work – Accelerated Reader Programme In addition, it is the base for our Librarians, who organise author visits, book boxes, reading groups and competitions, as well as managing the Library itself. The Library is used extensively by all year groups. Library user guides Borrowing from the library Students are responsible for any books they borrow and can borrow up to 4 books or DVDs at one time. The books are stamped with a due date and issued in the student’s name. If a book is lost or returned in damaged condition, the student will be expected to contribute towards a replacement. Return or renew books and DVDs on or before the due date to avoid a fine. You will have a 5p fine to pay for every day an item is overdue and school is open (25p per week.). If you need help with a loan or would like a book ordered for you, please ask the librarians. They are here to help. Accelerated Reader All Year 7, 8 & 9 students participate in Accelerated Reader. Based upon an assessment, called the STAR Reading Test, the students are given their reading age and a ZPD which guides them to a range of books which are suitable for their understanding and develop their reading. All students are given a reading card which shows their reading age and ZPD. They are also given a zipped A4 wallet to keep their library book in. Every student has a personal points target based on their ZPD and calculated to encourage them to read and develop their reading skill and we offer an excellent selection of books at each level. Students are encouraged to choose for themselves and to read for their own pleasure. Students with books from home or public libraries can check if a book has a quiz and the book’s difficulty level using the Accelerated Reader Bookfinder. Once a book is completed, students need to do a quiz which can be accessed by using a computer in school or at home: Use the Accelerated Reader link on the school website’s Quick Links page to find the quiz. We recommend that students should read their Accelerated Reader book for at least 15 minutes per day at home. If you have any questions about Accelerated Reader please speak to your child’s English teacher, Form Tutor or the librarians. A guide to Accelerated Reader is available below for download. Searching the school library online We have a bright and colourful library system that includes descriptions and cover illustrations, to help students make online searches. Searches for books or films can be accessed from the “Oliver library search” link on the school website’s Quick Links page. Teen Turf at The Virtual Library Central Bedfordshire Virtual library has some wonderful resources that students and their families can access free of charge. Teen Turf is their collection for secondary students and has collections on Teen Health reading, e-books, e-audio, e-magazines, homework links and references. https://virtual-library.culturalservices.net/bedfordshire/vlib/0.teen/home.htm Mrs C Lowther Librarian and Co-ordinator for Accelerated ReaderOur Library is a particularly wonderful space and resource, lined with books right around the walls and having more than 90 PC’s arranged in ‘turrets’ and zones.
