The library aims to develop a reading culture across the college; supporting teaching and learning, literacy, information literacy and media literacy, and to encourage students’ reading for pleasure by-
using information for knowledge, understanding, imagination, and enjoyment
developing skills that enable students to take responsibility for their own learning
providing access and opportunities to resources, services and events
Everyone is welcome before and after school. Year 7-11 students can use the library at break and lunch times. Sixth Form students - study booths are available (from Monday to Friday) to book for study periods at the Library Helpdesk on a first come first served basis.
The library provides a quiet environment for students to concentrate on their academic work. It can be utilised by tutors during lesson times, to complete group work tasks or students can carry out independent research. Students can relax in a quiet atmosphere both before and after school and during break and lunch times.
All students and staff are allowed to borrow five resources at a time, for three weeks at a time. Resources should then be returned or renewed. Resources include;
It is free to borrow books and there are no fines for overdue loans. Resources can also be reserved and requested as required. The library catalogue is now online and you can view it here: Accessit Web App
The library has a vibrant programme of extracurricular activities on offer for students to access on a daily, weekly and termly basis, as well as regular competitions and hosting a variety of literary event celebrations throughout the academic calendar (to keep up to date, details are posted regularly on ClassCharts, Microsoft Teams and on socials).
Are you looking for something new to read this term? Then why not check out the suggested reading organised by year group. Select your year, click on the image and uncover a hidden gem from the library shelves in our Summer Recommended Reads below;
Did you know that each student experiences being read aloud to by their form tutors during registration in the morning? You can find out more information about Form Time Literacy here and you can view which book each year group are reading this term below;
Did you enjoy your form time read and are struggling with what to read next? Then check out the further reading recommendations for each year group below (click on the image to enlarge). There’s something there for everyone;
World Book Night is a national celebration of reading and books that takes place on 23 April every year. World Book Night is for everyone – regardless of whether they consider themselves ‘readers’ or not. World Book Night is a national moment, and everyone is invited to participate by dedicating time to reading any book, in any format. At Bosco we are participating with a free book giveaway in Read more
The Henrietta Branford Writing Competition 2024 , the annual competition for young people which runs in conjunction with the Branford Boase Award, is now open for entries. The competition aims to find and encourage writers of the future, something Henrietta was always keen to do. Anyone under the age of 19 can enter. This year’s theme is inspired by 2023 Branford Boase Award winner Read more
Young Writers are inviting you to write a poem about your favourite person for the latest competition – Poetry Heroes. Who is your hero? Is it your mum or dad? Your best friend? Your brother or sister? Perhaps there is a famous person, from a sports or film star to an author or musician, that you admire and aspire to be like. Why are they your favourite person and why do they inspire you? Grab Read more
IntoFilm has launched the Time to Inspire Storyboard Competition . IntoFilm are looking for inspired young filmmakers who have a story idea for a short film and would like to win the chance to get it made. As a group, have you got a story to tell that could inspire others? If so, enter the Time to Inspire Storyboard Competition, brought to you in partnership with world-renowned Swiss watchmaker Read more
Calling all budding journalists out there - Enter The Day’s Global Young Journalist Awards Do you want to change the world? Or do you have a story that you’re burning to tell? The Day want to hear from you! The Day's third Global Young Journalist Awards are FREE to enter for 7-18-year-olds worldwide! You could win your work published online, a trophy, certificate and more! The competition is Read more
ReadingZone is challenging those aged four to 18 years to make a picture book for the ReadingZone Picture Book Competition 2024 , in partnership with World Book Day. The competition is open to individual children, libraries and schools in the UK and internationally. Prizes include £200 of books for each winner's school or library, plus a free online author event for the overall winner. For more Read more
To support our students observing Ramadan , the library has put together a collection of books featuring Muslim authors or books with Muslim characters. All books are available to all students and staff to borrow from the library. You can explore the complete collection here; Ramadan Reads 2024 Read more
Young Writers latest short story competition is now live! Your mission (should you choose to except it), is to write thrilling mini sagas, stories told in up to 100 words, with Mission Catastrophe! From minor mishaps to earth-shattering events, you have the opportunity to explore the consequences of catastrophes of all sizes. Check out the exciting video which introduces the mission. Don't Read more
National Book Tokens’ annual DESIGN A NATIONAL BOOK TOKEN competition is back, inviting children of all ages to get creative and share their love for books and reading by designing their own fabulous gift cards! This year’s theme is ‘Read Your Way’. Every reader is different, and there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy reading. HOW TO ENTER To enter, children should design a National Book Tokens Read more
World Book Day is celebrated annually and on Thursday 7th March 2024. Reading came to life all around school. At Bosco, we support the charity World Book Day in its mission to encourage all children to read for pleasure. World Book Day supports children to read for pleasure by encouraging 6 behaviours: 1. Being read to regularly 2. Having books at home and school 3. Finding time to read 4. Read more
National Literacy Trust has partnered with the acclaimed stage musical Wicked for a second year of this persuasive writing competition open to young people aged 9 to 14. For Wicked Writers: Be the Change they are asking students to write a piece of persuasive writing about any environmental issue that is important to you, for example, the climate crisis, pollution or endangered species. Making a Read more
Young Writers latest poetry competition is now live! Winter Wonderland invites 4-18 year-olds to write a poem in any style on the theme of wintertime. Whatever your thoughts about wintertime, write a poem in any style and let Young Writers know! Looking for inspiration? Here are some ideas for budding poets: ❄️ Winter celebrations... Diwali, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year ❄️ Capture the serene Read more
Through their eyes 2024 - Student Information Guide.pdf Through their eyes -student entry form.docx Read more
The challenge: write a poem about being a young person today. What would you want future generations to remember about your experience of being young, today? YPN and the Museum of Youth Culture want you to get inspired and write poems about what youth culture looks and feels like to you. TO ENTER This challenge is for writers aged up to 25 based anywhere in the world. The deadline is Sunday 11 Read more
The challenge: write a self-portrait poem Have you ever had to do a self-portrait in an art lesson at school? Young Poet’s Network (YPN) are challenging you to write self-portrait poems: you can be as realistic, or as abstract, as you like… Prizes Selected poets will be published on the Young Poets Network and sent an exclusive YPN notebook, as well as poetry goodies including books and Read more
From creepy tales, urban legends and supernatural spine-chillers... what lurks in your imagination? A ghost story is a timeless classic style of creative writing and Young Writers are inviting you to write your own short story inspired by things that go bump in the night! You could be inspired by a real place that is rumoured to be haunted, choose a supernatural being to be the star of your Read more
A sudden shift, a twist of fate, and bam! Everything changes! What happens when an ordinary day turns extraordinary? What are the effects on the world if one thing is changed forever? What thrilling or terrifying outcomes are unleashed if one mishap alters reality? The possibilities are infinite, which allows you to write about what excites you. These are the questions Young Writers are asking Read more
Reflect on the realities of war and conflict, and the hope for peace... Lest We Forget invites 4-18 year-olds to write a poem in any style on the theme of war and peace. Poems can be about your own experiences, or about something you have learnt at school. If budding poets are looking for inspiration, here are some ideas: · The sadness of war · The hope of peace · The courage of soldiers · Read more
Thursday 12th October 2023 was the official Harry Potter Book Day and the library hosted a Harry Potter celebration with themed activities and a quiz. Students could come in fancy dress or take photos with Harry Potter props. The theme this year was Magical Places. Students created and named their own houses, which resulted in some wonderfully creative team names; The Dumbledores, The Birthday Read more
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