Library News - April 2025

We have had another busy term in the library – we are always pleased to see it being used by students in their social time, with before school being a good option if students arrive a little early and need a quiet, calm place to start their day.

Our library lessons have run throughout the term, with both Year 7 and 8 participating in a range of activities designed to give them insight into the wide variety of books and authors we have here in our library. It’s good to see the competitive side of students appear as we often have a team challenge (with a prize, of course) that is book connected. Our loan rates continue to be high which is most encouraging - students just need to remember to bring books back without a nudge! Don’t forget to assist student reading, we have our Recommended Reads posters displayed in classrooms but also available on the school website. These are updated each term.

This term we had the fun of World Book Day which was brilliant to share with the students and we have launched the Hampshire Book Award. We have been delighted that so many Year 8 students want to be involved – due to our visit from last year’s winner, Rachel Delahaye, our students were most enthusiastic to hear what this year’s shortlisted books would be, and have already started busily reading. They must judge them based on three Es – Engagement, Enrichment and Enjoyment. We look forward to our regular meetings where we keep up to date with each other about our responses to the books and participate in the Voting Day on June 25th. Well done to the students involved.

Summer term will bring with it lots more Book Club – thank you to the students who come along to this each Tuesday after school. We have our regular attendees, but students are also welcome to pop along and join in. It’s a creative response to books, with some quizzes thrown in, and some sharing of good books - we always have a relaxing end to the day.

We look forward more celebrating of books next term – with activities, competitions and, hopefully, author visits.