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.

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.

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

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.