The Library
‘A Library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life’ – H.W. Beecher
The Library at Beaconsfield High is a versatile space, not just for reading and browsing but for teaching, meetings and clubs. We pride ourselves on our strong emphasis on promoting reading for pleasure and have a wide selection of both fiction and non-fiction suitable for all age ranges. Students can ask for advice on what to read or consult one of our many reading lists. The best way for students to find out about recommendations is by speaking to each other, and we have two very popular book clubs, one for Year 7 and the other for Year 8 and above. Book Club students also have the opportunity to attend literary events such as Carnegie and the Bucks Book Award.
Year 7 have a library lesson every fortnight with Mrs Seal, our librarian, and really get to know the library well in their first year at Beaconsfield High. This is not just about reading (although they talk about books a lot!) – they explore Rivers of Reading, Foyles Young Poets, Poetry by Heart, 500 Words, context lessons and so much more!
Students can use the library from 08:30 in the morning and during break and lunchtime for study, research, reading and learning. The main library is device free at break and lunchtime. Devices can be used in the silent study area, but this is reserved for Year 10 and Year 11.
Reading Lists
Reading is an important part of life at Beaconsfield High recognised by our latest Ofsted report - 'Staff ensure pupils explore diverse and demanding texts, both in lessons and for pleasure.' To encourage this, we have uploaded a range of reading lists to inspire students! Students in KS3 are introduced to our Reading Challenge in January and all lists are updated regularly to ensure there is something for everyone!
Lists for Everyone
What's New?
Year 7
Year 8
Library Resources
eBook Library
We subscribe to an eBook Library where students can access books anywhere, anytime and on multiple devices using their Office 365 login details.
Oliver
Oliver gives students instant access to the school library resources, including digital content such as eBooks and websites.
Year 7 Library Lessons
Year 7 has a timetabled library lesson with Mrs Seal every fortnight. This is an opportunity for students in their first year at Beaconsfield High, to spend time in our wonderful library as well as experience a variety of exciting lessons with links to English and literacy. Year 7 have the opportunity to run their own book club, learn all about and enter the national Poetry by Heart competition, put together a travel show presentations and be introduced to the BHS Reading Challenge...amongst other things! They also find time for browsing the shelves, finding new books and reading, of course!
| Autumn Term 1 | |
|---|---|
| Lesson 1 | Introduction to the library |
| Lesson 2 | Rooftoppers context session |
| Lesson 3 | Rooftoppers presentation |
| Lesson 4 | Using the library catalogue and non-fiction |
| Autumn Term 2 | |
|---|---|
| Lesson 5 | Introduction to BHS Book Club |
| Lesson 6 | Second BHS Book Club lesson |
| Lesson 7 | Shakespeare context lesson |
| Lesson 8 | Third BHS Book Club lesson – Presentations |
| Spring Term 1 | |
|---|---|
| Lesson 9 | Poetry by Heart |
| Lesson 11 | Reading Challenge and 500 Words in-house competition |
| Lesson 12 | Speed Date 500 Words story, World Book Day and competitions |
| Spring Term 2 | |
|---|---|
| Lesson 13 | Environment |
| Lesson 14 | Form names lesson - Research |
| Lesson 15 | Form names lesson - Presentations |
| Summer Term 1 | |
|---|---|
| Lesson 15 | Mystery context lesson |
| Lesson 16 | Foyles Young Poets Competition |
| Lesson 17 | Rivers of Reading |
| Summer Term 2 | |
|---|---|
| Lesson 18 | Travel writing – Travel show |
| Lesson 19 | Travel show presentations |
| Lesson 20 | Reading Challenge, summer reading and how to write a book review |