Library Information
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 8:40am—4:00pm
Loan Limits: Each student may borrow up to 2 books for a period of 2 weeks.
Borrowing/Returning/Renewing Books: Book should always be brought to the Help Desk so that they can be scanned through the computerised library management system.
Our library
At St Paul’s, the library is at the heart of the school. It is a busy working environment for both staff & students and always bustling with activity. As well as independent study and private revision, the library is also used by our Key Stage Three classes, who all have a timetabled lesson. Each lesson is designed to help encourage students with reading for pleasure, opening them up to new authors and genres.
The library also supports our whole school literacy programme which is hugely important in supporting the academic study of our students and also their emotional and extra-curricular wellbeing. Reading for pleasure plays a key role in raising attainment. Students have access to a wide selection of books both fiction and nonfiction, study guides, computers, book club and activities throughout the school year.
Our staff
The library is managed by Mrs Tutla and assisted by a very lovely and enthusiastic group of Student Librarians.
These are students from across Key Stage Three and Four who support the library at break and lunch times. They are available to support students with checking out and returning books. They can also recommend your next book choice! It is always exciting to see students sharing their love of reading with each other.
It is a very special responsibility and the student librarians do it with pride.
Book Club
The library has a Lunch time book club and interested students and keen readers can register half termly. There are 25 spaces available during each lunch break. There is a booking log for this and spaces can be booked during break time. The book club is open to all students and staff.
We create a pathway for young people to discover the wider world through reading for pleasure and discussion. It helps pupils develop character, communication, social and leadership skills. These skills will help young people to do well in school and moreover, the book club will demonstrate how reading for pleasure provides an escape from everyday concerns.
The Reading strategy for St Paul’s Library
Reading Environment
Classrooms and all school areas provide a print rich environment to promote the importance of reading. Reading displays form a part of that environment. Examples of such displays include – book corners, collections of favourite books attractively displayed, book reviews, book of the week, author displays and collections of books on a similar theme that help to develop enthusiasm.
Class box sets to be refreshed half termly.
Hearing Books Read Aloud
This builds enthusiasm and enjoyment. It influences independent reading and tunes students in to book language. Teachers of all age groups find time to read aloud to their class on a regular basis.
Library lessons provide an opportunity for model reading.
Students Reading Aloud
This will be modelled during shared and hearing books read aloud with the exception of those targeted to require extra 1:1 session. Whilst in school, students are taught the skills they need to become effective readers. They should then practice and fine tune those skills.
Reading support in class and library lesson
Parental Involvement
Co-operation and support from parents are paramount if a student is to become a successful and competent reader. At St Pauls we strive to develop and encourage a strong partnership between home and school. It is our library policy to send reading books home regularly.
Library Events
Read a book week New Year new books International Women’s Day
Roald Dahl Christian Unity week Lent and Ramadhan
National Poetry day World Book Day Easter
Black History Month Book Trust Authors Anthology
Harvest Festival Carnegie Read/Awards Eid/Vaisakhi
Diwali Holocaust Memorial Mental Health Awareness
Remembrance Day Diversity and Inclusion Genres
Classic Literature Chinese/Lantern Festival Shakespeare Week
Black History Month National Story Telling Week Celebrations/Reflections
Christmas Refugee Week St Paul’s Readathon
Current Student Librarians
Yr. 8 Neme and Ann (Library Leaders)
Yr. 10 Pratibha and Amelia (Library Leaders)
Yr. 7 Vrinda and Daniel (Book club)
SUPPORT: Jordan, Simran and Remy
Sixth Form: Mansi, Millie, Ethan, Kian, Kyle and Dylan
