Library

The Sutherland Library serves the academic and leisure needs of the Senior School, from Year 7 through to Year 13.  The library is a well-resourced centre for independent study and research with study space for approximately 70 students and access to a small computer suite of 10 networked computers.  The varying needs of the students are supported through a wide range of resources, including a book stock covering all areas of the curriculum, periodicals, newspapers, audio books, DVDs and videos.  Guides to using the internet and appropriate websites are also available.

There is a well stocked fiction section which is divided into areas suitable for younger and older readers and plenty of guidance is given to assist the students in making their reading choices.

The library is staffed by a full-time professional librarian, supported by two assistants.  The teaching of research and information skills is integrated into the curriculum with a range of subject lessons being taught in the library. The library is also fully involved in the wider teaching of the school, including Year 7 independent learning, the annual spring term inter-form debating competition, GCSE and A Level coursework, and the IB extended essay, and makes good use of its British Library membership and other subscription services.

Reading is actively promoted through various activities, including visiting authors, such as Malorie Blackman, Linda Newbery, Echo Freer and Anne Cassidy and reading groups for Middle and Upper Schools and the Sixth Form.  The Middle School reading group regularly shadows the Carnegie Medal, while the older students have read books on the Orange prize and Booker shortlists.

The Senior School Librarian also liaises with the teachers in Junior School and Little St. Helen’s to give advice on book stock and also runs regular storytelling sessions in these different parts of the school.