The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is a very busy area of the Academy. It is staffed by a Chartered Librarian and is available to staff and students throughout the school day. There are over 10,000 items to be inspired, educated and entertained by, including 46 computers.
All staff and students become members of the LRC automatically when they join the Academy. Students in year 7 go through on induction programme during their first few days here to ensure that they can use the LRC effectively from the outset.
Staff and students can use the facilities and resources on an individual basis, as part of a small group or as a whole class. Staff should note that booking is advisable because the facilities are in great demand.
The LRC is open throughout the school day and for an hour after school and it is central to the development of students reading habits and information handling skills. Students are welcome to use the LRC for homework, reading and borrowing books.
We run a number of different initiatives and programmes to support and encourage reading across the whole campus e.g. we shadow the Carnegie Award, take part in the Brilliant Book Award and offer a range of World Book Day activities. To help bring reading ‘alive’ we aim to have at least one author visit per year.
Students in years 7, 8 and 9 are enrolled on to the Accelerated Reader programme. “AR is a powerful tool for monitoring and managing independent reading practice” (1). The programme allows us to
- Help students develop a lifelong love of reading
- Motivate students of all ages and ability levels to read more, suitably challenging, books
- Raise literacy standards
- Track student progress and diagnose problems
The programme also allows parents to keep up to date with how their child is progressing with their reading. Parents can opt to have an email sent every time a book quiz is completed. This enables parents and the Academy to work in partnership in promoting the benefits that are associated with a love of reading.
The LRC Manager is responsible for managing the Accelerated Reader programme within the Academy.
