Learning Resource Centre

At HGSS, we pride ourselves on being a reading school. We believe that reading is fundamental to both academic success and emotional wellbeing. Our approach prioritises the development of strong reading skills (reading for purpose) alongside a deep enjoyment of literature, ensuring that students become confident, capable readers for life (reading for pleasure). We foster a love for reading by creating a culture where books are valued, discussed, and enjoyed. By balancing skill development with the joy of discovery, we empower our students to thrive both academically and personally.

 We are proud of our learning resource centre (library) here at HGSS. The LRC is open every day for students to choose books, and to do homework and research.  We are open before and after school as well as at break and lunch for general access:

• Monday to Thursday 8.30am – 4.30pm

• Friday 8.30am – 4pm

Resources

We have over 7,000 books to choose from, with a vast selection of genres and styles from graphic novels and comics, to classic novels and popular new releases. We also support our students with barriers to reading, such as dyslexia or visual impairments, by offering a range of Barrington Stoke Read titles – books pitched at a teenage audience with accessible font and paper colour, and enlarged copies of certain titles.

Students can borrow up to 2 books at a time, and more if they wish when they are in the habit of returning books regularly. Students can reserve books they want to read, and make suggestions for new books to be purchased for the library.

We also have access to ePlatform - an online platform that allows students access to a wide selection of ebooks and audiobooks. Students can use this on devices at home which enables them to read wherever they are. For the ePlatform User Guide, please click here.

We are fortunate to have a separate silent study / intervention room with quiet reading zones, as well as our large open plan space and study seating for 40 students. The library is used by Sixth Formers for private study as well as students wishing to work or read during break and lunch times.

Reading

KS3 English classes visit the library once a week for targeted skills and to have the opportunity to choose new books. 

Choosing books

All students, parents and staff have access to our library management system web app which has a wide range of information about the school library. The Accessit app can be found here

Recommended Reading

All Key Stages - please see our list of 50 books to read before you leave HGSS

Student librarians

At present, a number of Student Librarians and volunteers make significant contributions to our library. Our volunteers include Sixth Form students, those completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award and others who generously give their time simply for the love of it.