Library

The Library is (literally and metaphorically) at the heart of the school, located centrally on the 3rd floor main corridor. It hosts a diverse collection of books, magazines and learning resources that students can make use of throughout the Heartlands day. Up-to-date library news and reading lists can be found on our Library web app, which students can access by signing into the Heartlands website and selecting ‘Library’ under MyApps.

RESOURCES

The Library has over 7,000 books, a total which is constantly growing and evolving. We offer a range of fiction, nonfiction and graphic novels, and also offer computer access, newspapers and magazines.

We have a digital library via ePlatform that allows students free access to an ever changing range of eBooks and audiobooks, which they can access through school computers or at home on personal devices, via the ePlatform app.

Our full collection of books and resources can be search using the catalogue search below:

Students can borrow 2 books at a time for 2 weeks at a time in Foundation Stage, and 4 weeks at a time in Exam Stage. These can be renewed.

SERVICE

The library is staffed full-time by a qualified and experienced librarian, alongside a large team of Student Librarians and other Heartlands staff. Students can visit outside of lessons for studying, reading or quiet relaxation.

The Library is open:

Monday–Friday: 8.10am – 4.00pm for all students

Monday: 4:00pm-5:00pm for Year 11 students

In addition, all students receive Library Lessons regularly from Year 7 to Year 10. These give the students opportunities to practice more structured reading with adult support, and to learn important research and information skills.

STUDENT LIBRARIANS

Students follow a rigorous interview process to join the team, following the School Library Association (SLA) pack. Students work behind the desk on a rota and are rewarded with inhouse rewards such as merits, as well as taking part in book buying or reward trips. They are prioritised in choosing and reading new books as well as library events and trips. They also get the opportunity to earn nationally recognised certificates for their library skills, again from the SLA programme.

DEAR

All students at Heartlands have allocated reading time in English lessons and during Tutor Time. This is known as DEAR (Drop Everything And Read). The library has a full timetable of DEAR classes throughout the school day.

BEYOND WORDS

Heartlands is dedicated to raising student attainment in and enjoyment of reading. The school operates a whole-school reading programme known as Beyond Words which partly includes the Accelerated Reader scheme. Students can look up book levels to see if they fit within their ZPDs using the Bookfinder website:

www.arbookfind.co.uk

or take quizzes by logging on here:

www.tinyurl.com/heartlands14

All students are expected to use the library and its resources and it is part of school equipment to carry a reading book within your ZPD / Beyond Words level.