The Learning Resource Centre (Library)
The Larkmead Learning Resource Centre (LRC), or library, is a vibrant and inspiring hub of learning.Our Librarians and English Faculty work together to promote a love of reading through access to a vast variety of engaging reads, supported by strong links with local bookshops and regular positive reading-related events.
Our aim is to promote and encourage reading and studying within a safe and supportive environment for all students.
The LRC offers a wealth of activities, including book clubs, quizzes and The Oxfordshire Book Awards. Our Carnegie Award Shadowing Group is highly successful, with students working with peers from all the Abingdon state and independent secondary schools and the Europa school in a series of events, workshops and competitions, exploring the very best of fiction for young people.
The LRC is a welcoming and vibrant space where students read and study, with access to computers and an IT classroom supporting their curiosity and imagination. The LRC is a place to learn and grow.
Larkmead School have been awarded the "Reading for Pleasure Award" for 2019-2020 by the Children's Writers and Illustrators Group.
Image of this award can be found below:
The Learning Resource Centre Guide
The Learning Resource Centre is a place for reading, research, revision, project work or homework... with friends!
Welcome to the Learning Resource Centre (LRC):
We look forward to supporting you at Larkmead School. Our aim is to promote and encourage reading and studying within a safe, supportive and yet vibrant and inspiring environment for you!
Who’s Who:
Miss L Stone LRC Manager
Mrs V Lay LRC Assistant
The LRC consists of:
| The Library |
A relaxing reading and study area |
|
Computer Room 1 (CR1) |
PCs available for study, homework and educational games |
|
6th Form Study Area |
For 6th Form Study use only |
|
Stationery Shop |
All the items you need for a successful school day, sold at competitive prices (cash only) |
|
Laptops |
We have a few laptops to loan out to students for use during the school day |
|
Other Resources |
We have a wealth of resources to loan to students; books for 3 weeks or DVDs for a week. |
Reading at Larkmead School
Throughout the school day we build in an average of 20 minutes reading! All of KS3 (Y7, Y8 & Y9)classes have a Library Lesson once a fortnight, where students also read for at least 20 minutes and take part in reading related activities. There are competitions between Teaching and Tutor Groups for which class reads and passes the most book quizzes, with prizes to be won!!
Reading System
We use the Renaissance Learning Reading System whereby we assess all of KS3 (Y7, Y8 & Y9) students reading abilities 3 times per year using the STAR Reading computerised assessment. The assessment generates a reading level (the student’s ZPD – Zone of Proximal Development) and they are encouraged to read books within their level to develop their reading. Success also depends on the student’s interest in a book, hence teachers and library staff use their judgement to adjust book levels to match student needs and interest where appropriate.
Students are encouraged to take book quizzes on all books read, using Accelerated Reader (AR), which is now also available from home via Workspace 365 (can be accessed in "Student Learning Materials".
The data from both STAR Reading and AR provide us with information about the students reading ability and where we may need to focus interventions or provide further challenge. Class competitions and prizes are also linked to the use of the system.
Fun Times
We run a number of reading related activities. Here are some of our regulars:
Book Club
A fortnightly lunchtime club where we read discuss, play games and, of course enjoy refreshments too!
Oxfordshire Book Awards
An annual Book Awards programme decided by students across Oxfordshire, culminating in an awards ceremony with authors and cake!
The YOTO Carnegie Shadowing
An opportunity for students to take part in this prestigious Book Awards scheme. We work closely with all the secondary schools in Abingdon and have an afternoon tea, quiz and an all-day event in June to decide our winning book.
Scholastic Book Fairs
We hold a Book Fair each year, inviting parents too!
There’s always a great selection of books to buy.
Author Talks
Each year we invite authors in for talks and/or workshops. Who will yours be?
World Book Day
We run a week long programme of reading activities and events in celebration of Reading!
And more…
See you in the LRC soon!
Useful links for reading
- Virtual School Library- access to a book a week!
- https://wordsforlife.org.uk/virtual-school-library/
- Welcome to the Virtual School Library, brought you by Oak National Academy in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. Every week a popular children's author or illustrator will provide you with free books, exclusive videos and their top three recommended reads.
- Oxfordshire County Council Libraries- access to free e.books and audio books (you will have to sign up with the library services)