The Highcrest Academy

Welcome to the Learning Resource Centre (LRC)

LRC Newsletter - Spring 2023

If you would like to be part of the next newsletter, send us your book reviews, videos or art work for sharing to scox@highcrestacademy.org.uk

Click here for Resources for Learning and Reading online

Welcome to the Highcrest Library Instagram. We know graphic novels are very popular in the school, so here are our nearly moved graphic novels shelves https://www.instagram.com/highcrestlibrarian/

The library is a warm, lively, and welcoming space for all students. Our room houses both a large range of fiction and non-fiction books, as well as access to desktop computers and iPads, and tables for those who want to study or just be in the library.

Students can use the LRC from 8am before school, break and lunchtime and after school until 4pm. (3.30pm on Fridays)

Our stock of over 7,000 books is regularly updated and we welcome recommendations from both students and staff. Our range of factual texts is currently being revamped, making sure that it is up to date and relevant for our school community. We aim to stock the widest possible variety of authors and new books for our students to experience. Our range of graphic novels and manga continues to grow and remains very popular with students.

The Highcrest LRC currently has its own online library, giving access to an exciting range of ebooks for students. Each student is given a username and password to log onto the library, and they can borrow one book for up to two weeks. They can access the ePlatform and choose from over 1400 free books available to download onto a desktop, laptop, tablet, a Kindle Fire or even their phones. Click here to access the ePlatform.

We also recommend that students join their local Public Library as membership gives them access to a great range of printed and online resources beyond what can be offered at Highcrest.

The LRC also subscribes to the Bucks Schools Library Service which gives us access to specialist expertise and additional resources. The librarian is in constant contact with other librarians and book lovers, and are aware of popular trends in the reading community.

All Year 7 and 8 students have a library lesson every two weeks during which students are given opportunities to explore literature and gain new digital literacy skills. They are encouraged to discover texts that interest them and grow in their reading. Students complete the Star Reading Test which helps the librarian and English staff support students on their reading journey.

The LRC uses several non-fiction texts, including First News , to help students explore the world around them and understand news. There is always a physical copy of the weekly newspaper within the library or click here to find out more: https://live.firstnews.co.uk/

The Library runs Book Chats across the school, encouraging all students and staff to share their love of stories and discover new authors recommended by their peers. This year a small group of students have been invited to join Bookbuzz, a nationwide book club for students. There are also competitions all the time in the library for students to earn house points.

The LRC is currently staffed by a full-time Library Manager, who is able to offer support and guidance to students, both in their reading journey and finding resources to support their studies. There are also a number of student librarians across the year groups who are able to help their peers find books, do homework, or just chat. We look forward to seeing you!

 

Year 7 Reading for Pleasure - click here

Year 8 Reading for Pleasure - click here

Year 9 Reading for Pleasure - click here

Online Resources:

Bucks Library Service: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/libraries/

Book Trust Book Finder: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/bookfinder/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/

Fantastic Fiction: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/