The Library is central to teaching and learning at the Senior School, providing a wide range of resources to support the curriculum as well as a comfortable space for individual study, supervised study, teaching, revision and prep. It is situated between Tallis and Oakeley Houses and is open and staffed throughout the school day, including at weekends. There are approximately 15,000 fiction and non-fiction books as well as newspapers, magazines, e-books and a variety of online subscriptions.
Additional English resources are available in the English Critical Library and a separate History collection can be found in the Saltmarsh Room in Big School. The integrated online Library catalogue allows pupils to search for material across these locations.
The Librarian works with Heads of Department to ensure up to date stock is available to support all aspects of the curriculum and pupils are encouraged to ask for help with research, academic referencing, or if they have a special resource request. The Librarian can source material to support coursework, the Extended Essay, university preparation or personal study. Pupils are able to access the Library catalogue and online resources, including JSTOR, within school and remotely.
Induction sessions are held for Year 9 and Lower Sixth pupils, and the Librarian provides further study skills sessions in conjunction with departments, with the specific aim of developing pupils’ research and referencing skills. Sixth Form students are offered tailored guidance on research and referencing for specific assignments, subjects or programmes.
Activities, promotions and displays designed to foster a love of reading and literature are organised throughout the year, with a particular focus on events celebrating World Book Day.