Library

Our library has a large collection of popular fiction and non-fiction books available for pupils to borrow. There are desks and seating for private study which are also available for class study. We have a large number of computers complete with network access and available for use before, during and after school hours. The library information database can be accessed from any computer in school.

Each year since the school opened there has been a steady increase in borrowing. Last year we aimed to reach a target of 3000 loans and managed to surpass this figure. The pupils are very much involved in the purchase of new books as we have a “shopping list” which the pupils and staff use to request books for the library.

The introduction of St Peter’s Book Award has now replaced the popular Manchester Book Award and this ensures that all our pupils can vote for their favorite book. This has proved to be extremely popular amongst all year groups. To announce the winning book and celebrate the pupils’ amazing achievements regards review writing there is an end of year party held in the theatre that is enjoyed by both pupils and staff.

The library is also host to an extremely popular chess club and since 2010 there has been a regular chess tournament held each year. The champion, whose name is added to the perpetual shield and the new Chess Champions’ Board, also receives an award, as does the runner-up. (There are chess and draughts always available for the pupils to practice and hone their skills against each other at break times.) Mr. Garraway (Mathematics) and Mr. Gilmore (Reprographics) are regular visitors to chess club and they are always on hand to teach the game or to give tips to learners. Towards the end of the summer term we also hold a draughts tournament just for fun which results in the appointment of a “King or Queen of draughts.”

There are regular competitions for story writing, poster designs, poetry, spelling, general knowledge quizzes and seasonal quizzes plus “just for fun” quizzes and games. We also have regular author visits. The library is a hive of activity and it is open before registration, during every break time and after school. In addition to the activities we have recently introduced a debating society which is proving very popular. Last year to commemorate the sinking of the Titanic the library was transformed into the Titanic with crew members and passengers in costume. This was hugely successful and attended by all pupils and staff plus visitors from our primary links school.

There is also a beading club run by Mrs. McDonnell, Miss Murdoch and Miss Nelson held every week. The members have produced some beautiful jewelry much of which is sold for charity and re-stocking.

The library is a superb environment for learning and for forming new friendships and in the words of W. B. Yeats,

“There are no strangers here: only friends you haven’t yet met”

Library Gallery

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