Heart of the School!

simonballelibrary — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:42:04 +0000

One year ago, the vision for our Library was uploaded onto the website. At the time, the space was a stripped out shell. The aims included; developing independent learning skills, attracting 6^th form users, supporting the curriculum and enhancing the reading and literacy abilities of all students. We set out to achieve these aims by increasing the availability of online resources and IT facilities, creating zones where students can work in various break-out groupings and changing the role of the Librarians from guardians of books to research guides. We also intended to welcome respected authors and hold regular events, “to celebrate the mission of the Library and to set out our strategic view for the future”.

One year on and we are still celebrating - we made the shortlist for a prestigious award! We have succeeded in creating a stimulating working environment which was officially opened by the Head of Learning from the British Library, Roger Walshe, in September. During lunch and break the Library is busy with students from all Year Groups working independently; searching on the i-cybers, working on a pc, completing homework at a table or just reading on a comfortable pod! Lesson times show how effective the zones are to facilitate break-out groupings. The 6^th form students appreciate the purposeful working environment and borrowing figures for books have increased. The Library’s reach is also visible in the classrooms as the Librarian teaches information literacy around specific research topics in the curriculum.

As for the events and authors, please see the list below…….

Official Opening by Roger Walshe, Head of Learning at the British Library

Video Conference with Mary Hooper hosted by North London Collegiate School

Presentation on University Life by Dr Melanie Taylor, Admissions Tutor, Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge

Living Books with Ms Ellis and Henika Patel

Webcast with popular author Rick Riordan

Showcase Event for local Primary School Librarians

Open Morning in the Library for CPD Schools

Visit of Lucy Jago, author of Montacute House

Talk and book signing by Mark Walden, author of the popular HIVE series

Adrian Warner, BBC London Olympics Correspondent talks to Sixth Formers Feb. 2012

Visit of Carol Hedges, author of popular Spy girl series March 2012