Library update: Spring Term round-up

by Ms Nylinder, Librarian

Reading for pleasure has many benefits. While the obvious ones include promoting literacy and the ability to understand what is being communicated, the calming effect of reading a good book shouldn't be underestimated. Reading reduces stress and improves mental well-being. Taking time out from revision and scrolling on the phone to instead read a good book is a great way to prepare for exams. With this in mind, here is this term's round-up of reading initiatives aimed at sparking and maintaining a love of reading across all year groups.

Year 10 has been given the opportunity to experience the benefits of reading through a new initiative that involves spending three afternoon registration lessons each half-term solely devoted to silently reading a book of their choice. The Library supplies a selection of books (such as those pictured left) for those who don't have anything to read or are looking for inspiration. There is also a Year 10 reading list for those who are unsure of what to read next. It includes the latest bestsellers, modern classics and some literary fiction that may not feature on TikTok but are brilliant reads. Students can access the reading list through the QR code below. You need to be logged into FireFly (either at school or at home).

International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a significant highlight in the Library's calendar of events. Our book display showcased scientific achievements of women throughout history, including an intriguing biography on Ada Lovelace, the 19th-century mathematician who has been called the first computer programmer:

Ada Byron is rich and clever, but she longs to be free. Free to explore all the amazing ideas that come to her imagination, like flying mechanical horses and stories inspired by her travels. Free to find love and passion beyond the watchful gaze of her mother and governesses. And free to learn the full truth about her father, the notorious Lord Byron. Then Ada meets a man whose invention might just change the world – and he needs her visionary brilliance to bring it to life.

An inspiring book, available to borrow from the Library at any time of the year!

This year's Global Reading Project has been a huge success. Year 8 students spent seven weeks reading and reviewing books set in different countries. Together, they have read an impressive 191 books, surpassing last year's result. Hannah L and Livia T-G excelled with each reading 10 books. The USA was again the most popular destination, but there has been a strong increase in books set in South America and Asia. While the main purpose of the project is to develop reading and writing skills, sharing great books has been a massive benefit for everyone who happened to pass by the world map, brimming with inspiring Year 8 recommendations.

For Neurodiversity Celebration Week, the Library teamed up with Learning Enrichment to deliver a reading challenge that celebrated the strengths of people who think differently. One such person is the much-loved book character Percy Jackson, who has dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While his ADHD sometimes gets him into trouble, it also serves as a superpower, as his hyper-awareness helps him survive on the battlefield.