The PGS Library is a well-utilised focal point of our school community.
We truly believe reading is the key to learning. Within our library space, we provide an escape from busy school life where students can immerse themselves in a world of books. The Reading & Learning Resource Development team not only support students on their reading journey, but also stretch and challenge avid readers. Additionally, the library hosts English reading lessons, book clubs, writing workshops and intervention. The team also works closely with the English Department and House Team to help support and incentivise positive reading habits. During their time with us, students are also encouraged to read at home.
Our library is available for use by students before school, at breaks, and after school. Students are welcome to use the space to study, read, complete home learning, and borrow books.
Book Club
During term time we hold a weekly Book Club for students on Mondays 14.50 – 15.30. Students read and discuss a range of fiction and non-fiction, from full-length novels and short stories to articles, essays and more. From March each year we participates in the Carnegie Awards shadowing scheme. Students ‘shadow’ the judging process for the Yoto Carnegie Medals; they read, discuss, and review the books on the shortlist, engage in reading related activity which they can share online, and vote for their favourites to win the Shadowers’ Choice Awards. This is great opportunity for our students to access the latest highly acclaimed fiction.
Author Visits
In order to further inspire our students to read, when establishing the Library we were keen to make author visits a central part of our reading culture. These visits have reached all year groups, via whole-year presentations, small-group creative writing sessions, art workshops and careers talks.
During academic year 21/22 we played host to five award-winning authors and illustrators: Phil Earle, Nik Perring, Michelle Rawlins, Chris Mould, and Hilary McKay (virtual visit).
This year (22/23) we are thrilled to have been visited by Costa and Carnegie nominee Ross Montgomery and Carnegie nominee Simon James Green, with more visits by other writers planned for later in the year.
Each visit has seen a marked increase in footfall and book loans from the Library, and the feedback from students has been wholly positive. We use the visits as springboards for book recommendations, competitions, and creative writing tasks.
