All of the library resources are available to view and reserve via our online portal. click here to see our fantastic book selection!

The Library is at the heart of our school campus and is a central hub in supporting both staff and students alike in becoming a community of readers, of learners, and of thinkers.

Literacy and reading for pleasure have been proven to support and improve academic achievement, but a love of books can also be rewarding socially, emotionally and culturally. The Library and Library staff at Heathfield support the school in sharing this ethos throughout its community.

The Library facility itself has been shortlisted by the Local Authority Building Control Design Awards for ‘Best Education Building’; its spacious, welcoming design helps to create an inspiring atmosphere where reading, independent study and cultural events take place.

The Library homes a vast range of resources with an extensive Non-Fiction and Fiction selection that is constantly refreshed and updated; our resources cater for reluctant readers as well as established bookworms! Students and staff are encouraged to contribute ideas, book recommendations and feedback wherever possible, making the Library a truly collaborative entity. The Library staff tailor our resources to support the whole-school curriculum and its assessment criteria; we work with several departments across the school to begin to develop skills in independent information literacy, including how to conduct effective internet and website searches and introductory book referencing and bibliography skills. We also have a suite of PCs available for class research or independent study.

Literacy Events

Literacy events take place throughout our school calendar, and the Library staff work closely with the English department and tutors to deliver a broad range of activities to engage readers of all interests, ages and abilities. Amongst our successful ongoing projects are the Book Buddies scheme, where Year 11 students are brought together with lower school ‘buddies’ once a week to read, build confidence and share a love of reading. Our Literacy Calendar also includes annual celebrations such as Remembrance Day, where students submit war-themed poetry and posters and a whole-school poppy display decorates the Library windows, and Shakespeare’s birthday with readings, dressing up, cake-making and Shakespearean insult hurling! The Library also hosts regular author visits as well as organising book promotions and reading related clubs and competitions.

To see our Literacy Calendar for 2021-2022 click here.

Accelerated Reader

Accelerated Reader is a computer programme that aims to encourage a love and development for reading and for books; it allows teachers to manage and monitor student’s independent reading practice and progress through a series of testing, reading and quizzing. Reading challenges and goals are used as incentive to help make reading for pleasure fun!

The programme is accessible both from home via remote learning, and in school. We currently have all of Year 7, and a selection of Years 8 and 9 LEO/PP students signed up to Accelerated Reader.

Take a look at our Accelerated Reader Student Guide for more information.

Bookbuzz

Bookbuzz is a reading programme from BookTrust that aims to help schools inspire a love of reading in 11 to 13-year-olds.

Heathfield give every Year 7 student the opportunity to choose their own book to take home and keep from a list of 17 titles that BookTrust provide. They are all carefully selected by a panel of experts to ensure quality, suitability, and to encourage reading for pleasure. There are a variety of genres and styles to select from, including Graphic Novels, Dyslexia Friendly texts, Braille, etc.

READING LISTS

The Library staff are always available to offer guidance and support in choosing a good book to delve into, but if you need an extra hand, below are some year group specific book suggestions: