The Library for 16+
The Library is the centre for independent learning and the teaching of research skills. With approximately 30,000 resources of various types, it provides a studious and stimulating environment at the heart of the school, and plays an important part in supporting both curricular work and independent study and research. It is open and staffed throughout the school day, as well as before and after school.
A highly qualified team of Librarians facilitates access to this wide range of resources and media, all of which enhance and enrich the learning experience:
The Library is the centre for independent learning and the teaching of research skills. With approximately 30,000 resources of various types, it provides a studious and stimulating environment at the heart of the school, and plays an important part in supporting both curricular work and independent study and research. It is open and staffed throughout the school day, as well as before and after school.
A highly qualified team of Librarians facilitates access to this wide range of resources and media, all of which enhance and enrich the learning experience:
- The non-fiction books are well used, and reflect and complement all subjects of the curriculum and extra-curricular interests.
- There is an excellent stock of fiction, both classic and contemporary, to support wider study and reading for pleasure.
- A stimulating selection of relevant DVDs is available to be borrowed.
- A complementary collection of some 40 journals enables students to keep abreast of current thinking. Titles include The Economist, New Scientist, Scientific American, Spectator, National Geographic and History Today. Online newspapers and journals, both current and archival, are also available.
- Students are encouraged to use the excellent academic databases to which the Library subscribes. These electronic resources are selected for the relevance of their content and level, and include JSTOR, Britannica Online, Oxford Online, and the History, Science and Literary Reference Centres.
- An Ebook service provides 24 hour access to core 6th form material.
- Structured tuition on a range of skills, including: locating appropriate information; effective internet searching; note taking; referencing and citing; and avoiding plagiarism. This also prepares pupils for the academic study expected of them at university.
- Organised specialist support for those conducting extended research, whether for coursework, the IB, an EPQ or a Buss Project.