In 1991 it was decided to refurbish the school library to a standard that our pupils deserve: to create a welcoming, comfortable, aesthetically attractive place at the heart of the school which would demonstrate to the children and young adults who use it our belief in the value of research, self-directed study, and reading for pleasure. In February 1992 our new library, renamed The Information Centre, was opened; with new comfortable furniture, new, user-friendly shelving, carpet, curtains, a revised and up-dated bookstock, and an information tech area. We can now offer to all our pupils the following benefits.
Constant Access
The information Centre is staffed throughout the day. Consequently it is available as a learning resource to staff and pupils throughout the school day. In addition, it is open to pupils for recreational use and self-directed study at lunchtime and after school.
Up-to-date Books
The book stock is regularly checked for out-of-date books, and there is a substantial annual budget for the purchase of new books. We aim to satisfy demands for both academic and recreational subjects, and there is a large fiction section that provides for all reading abilities.
Newspapers and Magazines
As well as two daily newspapers, we get fourteen weekly or monthly magazines. The great majority of these have been chosen by the pupils themselves - we welcome new suggestions.
Information Technology
Pupils may at any time use the networked computers as an extension of classroom work. It is not unusual to see pupils playing French or German language games after school has officially finished for the day! They also have constant access to the CD-ROM player: this access enables them to choose from a selection of discs, information from which can be called up on screen and men printed out. Teletext is another source of up-to-date information.
A Friendly Welcome
Pupils enjoy coming to the information Centre. They find it "relaxing"; they "feel at home"; they "like the quiet atmosphere". Many of them contribute to the running of the place by helping the duty staff with day-to-day jobs in the lunchtimes and after school. At Sir Henry Cooper a visit to the Information Centre is generally considered to be a treat: and, since use of the Information Centre and its resources is an integral part of the curriculum, pupils have plenty of opportunities to make the most of what we have to offer.