Library

Welcome to the Learning Resource Centre 

Incorporating the library

• The librarian is Mrs Morley
• Contact details: hilary.morley@coombesheadacademy.org.uk
• The LRC is open from 8.15am until 4.15pm Monday to Friday

The LRC is a spacious area, over two floors, at the heart of the school. Before, during and after school students can study, undertake research, complete their homework and read. There are a small number of games and jigsaws available at break and lunchtime. The main floor accommodates the fiction library and the majority of the non-fiction books, together with tables and some soft seating. The mezzanine floor provides computer access and houses the remaining non-fiction stock.

The library stock consists of more than 30,000 books, with approximately 7,000 of these being fiction titles covering a wide range of authors and genres and reading abilities. We review and refresh titles throughout the year to improve the quality and variety of the book stock, including emerging and new authors, authors of colour and challenging topics.

In order to help Year 7’s to understand the way the library functions, they participate in a series of induction sessions in their first academic year. Included in these lessons are sessions focussed on information literacy skills such as how to find resources and the best ways to conduct research (with a focus on encouraging independent learning).

The librarian works with the English department to ensure the experience of reading, literacy and learning is broad and life-enhancing. World Book Day is celebrated each year through a number of events and activities. Authors are invited to the school to speak to students about life as an author and to run workshops.

A recent development has been to offer younger students the opportunity to assist within the LRC as Student Librarians, helping to manage the book stock and support library users. Volunteering is a great way to get involved with the school community and adds depth to the students’ personal statements later in their academic lives.

Coombeshead Academy uses the Accelerated Reader program with Years 7, 8 and some older students to facilitate improved reading and literacy skills at Key Stage 3 and beyond. The teachers and librarian work hard at promoting and rewarding student reading progress. The AR program is supported during breaks, lesson time and within the library lessons when students may quiz and exchange their books.