Welcome to Our School Library

At our school, the Library is more than just a place to find books; it’s an open and welcoming space designed to inspire a love for reading and learning. We invite all students to explore our extensive collection of both fiction and non-fiction books, catering to a wide range of interests and reading levels. Whether you’re looking for your next great adventure or seeking knowledge on a specific topic, our Library has something for everyone.

  

A Hub for Study and Relaxation

In addition to our extensive book selection, our library is an ideal environment for private study.

We provide revision guides and Chromebooks to assist students with their homework and exam preparation. For those looking to unwind, we offer a selection of board games for use during break times, as well as colouring activities that promote mindfulness and help reduce stress.

  

Library Hours

• Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

  

After-School Clubs

We believe in fostering a vibrant community of learners, which is why we offer several after-school Library clubs from Monday to Thursday. Students can participate in:

• Board Game Club
• Chess Club
• BSL Club (British Sign Language)

These clubs provide opportunities for students to connect with others who share similar interests while enhancing their skills and knowledge.

 

Promoting a Positive Reading Culture

Our Library is committed to promoting a positive reading culture. We encourage students to read for pleasure and explore new genres. As part of our Renaissance reading programme, we track students' reading levels through quizzes and tests at the end of each book. Each book quiz they score 70% or above in, earns them points, helping them progress to higher reading levels.

To ensure continuous improvement, students take Star Reader tests four times a year, providing us with a baseline for their reading scores, allowing us to tailor extra support when needed. 

For more information about Accelerated Reader, please visit the link below: https://uk.renaissance.com/products/accelerated-reader/

 

Library Lessons

Students in Years 7-9 benefit from a dedicated library lesson every two weeks. During these sessions, guided and supported by their class teacher and Librarian, they can read, take quizzes on their chosen books and work towards raising their reading levels.

  

Engaging Events and Competitions

We love engaging our students in reading through exciting competitions and events, such as author readings and themed book weeks. These activities not only foster a love for literature but also create a robust community of readers within our school.

We invite all students to visit our library, participate in our programmes, and discover the joy of reading and learning in a supportive and friendly environment!

  

Student platform:

All our students have access to our school Library site, which is a wonderful resource for exploring our collection of books. Here, they can easily browse through titles, check out new arrivals, and even leave their own book reviews for classmates to read. The website also keeps everyone updated on exciting events and competitions that are being held in the Library, ensuring that all students can participate and share in the vibrant literary community we foster. It's a great way to make reading fun and engaging for everyone!

Please view the link below to have a look at our Library site: https://thamespark.oliverasp.co.uk/library/home/news 

  

Our Library is staffed by Miss J Beck who is happy to assist you with any questions you may have – please email j.beck.tss@osborne.coop if you have any queries.  

 

Reading Expectations:

Our aim is to develop confident readers who enjoy reading a diverse range of texts and are challenged and supported to develop their reading skills, whilst engaged to promote a love of reading.

Reading is at the centre of our curriculum across the school. To ensure all students continue to develop their reading and comprehension skills, a variety of strategies are used within our classrooms. Teachers model fluency when they read to classes through their intonation of pitch, stress and rhythm, awareness of punctuation and pauses, pace and use of tone to enhance meaning.

To support the progress of our weakest readers we have intervention programmes, specific to the identified needs of the students that are led by well trained staff.

To promote the love of reading we have a fantastic provision in the library with a huge range of texts, across a range of themes and authors. Within the Year 7 curriculum, students have a timetabled lesson in the library once a fortnight but are welcome to use the library during social times and after school.

Below is a reading list with hand picked titles we think you might enjoy!