The Learning Resource Centre / library is a modern well-stocked study centre, open to all members of the school, giving access to over 35000 resources including reference works, books, journals, DVDs, links to websites, lap tops for students and calculators. The library houses the school’s substantial collection of School Archives which are for reference only. These include a wide collection of photographs, original documents and artefacts relating to the history of the school.
We also run a stationery shop stocking small items for those essential classroom purchases for students to purchase using cash.
Opening times: Monday – Friday, 8.15 am – 4.00 pm.
After school supervision: Monday – Friday, 3.15 pm – 4.00 pm.
Our LRC / library uses the MLS Eclipse Library (Reading Cloud) system which can be accessed by pupils from anywhere around the world via a computer or mobile phone using the information from their library card.
Pupils using their library account can:
- Browse the catalogue and reserve library resources online at any time
- Write and share book reviews
- Catch up with News from the LRC
- Find out about favourite authors and their books
- Create their own reading lists
- Take a look at recommendations for their next read
- View curricular websites and resources to help with homework
- Generally explore! – whether the intention is to read for pleasure, research various topics or simply broaden horizons
For those who require access to computers and printing facilities, the adjoining computer suite in B3 is available at Lunchtimes using the booking sheets in the LRC.
In addition, the LRC runs themed events throughout the academic year, which include World Book Day, quizzes, a monthly book club and a weekly Chess Club, not forgetting the highly competitive House Reading Competition in which House points are awarded to students for book reviews submitted, making their way to the top of our ‘Reader Board’ and culminating in the winning of the House Reading Trophy which is awarded at the end of the academic year. Alongside this we create various displays, competitions and other events highlighting various themes relevant to the curriculum, national events and generally promoting a reading culture.
Year 8 students can apply to become a Pupil Librarian for the academic year, working alongside library staff at lunchtimes, encouraging them to develop skills for leadership and teamwork, to lead through example and to make a positive difference to the library and the school as a whole. Students work through a training programme and are rewarded with merits for each session attended. The skills they gain are transferrable across the curriculum and in the world of work. They also benefit from an early lunch pass for their specific day of the week. Our helpers are identified by their Pupil Librarian badges and, on completing their given year, each is presented with a certificate and a special LRC badge which they can wear throughout their school journey.
The school also takes part in an annual event, Calderdale Children’s Book of the Year Book Award, voted for by participating students, which is run by the Calderdale Children’s Library Service. This project is suitable for a group of up to 10 Gifted and Talented pupils, in KS3 from each of the 10 schools taking part, and aims to introduce them to new quality fiction, widen their reading tastes and enthuse them about reading for pleasure giving them the opportunity to meet authors of the titles.
The LRC continues to be a popular venue with pupils from all year groups, not only for study, research, revision and for exploring the shelves for their next great read, but also as a welcoming place to meet with friends as we strive to be a calm refuge in a friendly environment.
From advice on your next great read to logging in and using Reading Cloud, we’re always happy to help.
You can reach us at: LRC@crossleyheath.org.uk
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