Library & Reading

Our library is the heart of the school, a safe space that inspires the shared joy of reading. The library provides enrichment and competitive opportunities that motivate students to expand their reading practice; with high-quality fiction and academic texts to scaffold and build upon their learning. 

The library offers the following: 

  • A varied and rotational display of books, including outstanding fiction that focuses on inclusion and representation. Plus, captivating non-fiction texts that help stretch, challenge and inspire students around specific academic subject areas.  
  • High-quality, contemporary books consistently added to the collection. 
  • Book recommendation lists that are available to browse, curated by our librarian, teachers and students, to help students discover their next favourite read. 
  • Opportunities to become a Student Librarian. 
  • Regular form times in the library for Year 7 that focus on learning how to use, respect and engage with the library space. 
  • A Book Cafe, open to students once a week. During which we read together, analyse vocabulary, discuss ideas and share the joy of reading. Opportunities to attend author events. In the past we have attended talks with Sally Gardner, Sarah Hagger-Holt, Dave Rudden and Laura Bates. 
  • Opportunities to attend author events. In the past we have attended talks with Sally Gardner, Sarah Hagger-Holt, Dave Rudden and Laura Bates. 
  • Monthly events and competitions to support reading and the acquisition of vocab, including the Trust Reading Challenge. 
  • Access to a wide variety of high-quality monthly periodicals and magazines across a variety of subjects. 
  • The promotion of key areas to raise awareness, such as LGBT issues, women's rights and disabilities. 

Reading is promoted through: 

  • A reading book is part of the school equipment, and all students should carry a reading book with them at all times. This could be, but is not necessarily, the Hewett Canon. 
  • Our library promotes high values, classic texts that help to develop both the reading age of the students but also their cultural capital. 
  • The library focuses on providing students with relevant book recommendations that challenge and motivate readers.  
  • Prior to starting Year 7, parents and guardians are sent a list of Recommended Reads to bridge the gap from Year 6 to 7. 
  • Key Stage 3 has two form times a week dedicated to reading. 
  • Each department in the school issues a list of books they recommend students who are interested in their subjects should read. All of these books are available in the school library. 
  • In their English lessons, students will be taught a direct instruction grammar scheme to help them perfect written English. 

Take a look at the Inspiration Trust Secondary Reading Strategy here