We are very fortunate at Brigidine to have separate libraries dedicated to both our Junior and Senior pupils. Our Senior Library contains over 5,000 items covering a wide range of resources, including, fiction, non-fiction, daily newspapers, magazines and DVDs. The Library is staffed by a Chartered Librarian who is on hand to provide guidance and support from 9.30am-3.00pm on a daily basis.
Library Research Skills
On joining the School, all Year 7 pupils participate in a Library Induction course which introduces them to the necessary research skills they need to support their work at school. All pupils are trained on how to use the online library catalogue systems, ALICE.
Senior classes visit the Library on a regular basis to develop their research skills particular at the start of a school project. Recent examples include Years 7 and 8 Art classes using resources to research a specific artist or technique. A Year 9 English group has reviewed the 2008 Berkshire Book Award shortlist as part of a class exercise in the Library – a great way to try different types of genre and authors.
Activities
Our School is a keen participant in Library events including the Berkshire Book Festival, World Book Day and Shadowing the Carnegie/Kate Greenaway Awards; three of our KS4 pupils scooped the top three prizes for the Book Cover Competition in 2008 and 2009.
Book Fairs are held annually at the beginning of the Summer Term. It is an opportunity for pupils to view books in a relaxed atmosphere and parents are encouraged to visit.
Visitors
The Library is an extremely active and lively place with many activities taking place throughout the school day. These include inter-house quizzes, book groups, and clubs and play reading. We also organize regular visits by authors and storytellers, recent visits include authors Sophie McKenzie and Ed Wicke plus storytellers Alec Williams and Mick Gowar.
Access to external libraries
We do encourage all pupils to become members of their local public library. Public libraries now offer a 24/7 access to online libraries which will compliment resources available in school and support homework projects. For further details on how to contact your local library please use the following links:-
Windsor & Maidenhead Libraries http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/libraries_joining.htm
Slough Libraries http://www.slough.gov.uk/libraries/
Buckinghamshire Libraries http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/libraries/libraries.page?
Surrey County Council (covering Staines, Ashford, Sunbury) http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries
Reading is a key skill strongly encouraged and supported here at Brigidine, the Library is a great place to develop that skill. We look forward to welcoming you to our Library and answering any further questions.
