Library

Welcome to the Library section of the Thamesview website 

School libraries have played different roles over the years. The internet and electronic resources have changed the traditional way that libraries operate but two things that haven't changed are the importance of literacy and reading for pleasure. 

The school invested in a brand-new library in 2010. Thanks to a very generous grant from Foyles, the library was stocked with all the latest books that would interest and encourage students to return to reading. It was officially opened in March 2011 by the author Tony Lee. Since then the library has been a safe place for learning, creativity and exploring literature. It provides a comfortable environment with soft furnishing, colourful artwork, promotional posters and inspirational quotes. 

The library has a large collection of new and exciting books on offer. 

IN OUR LIBRARY WE HAVE... 

We believe there is a book for everyone! 

BORROWING BOOKS 

Students can borrow 2 books at a time for 2 weeks (there are no charges if they are late). Books can be returned during before and after school, during Library lessons or at lunch times. Students can also reserve books on the school website (through the Reading Catalogue) website and download books from the ebook platform. 

The Librarian Miss Chloe Potter is at hand to recommend books, write reviews and display books that students have enjoyed and reviewed. 

Computers - the library has its own laptops with internet access which can be used before school, breaktimes, lunchtimes and after school for school related activities. 

The library is open to students from 8:15am every morning, break, lunch and until 4:00pm after school. Every day, the library is used for borrowing, returning and browsing for books, reading lessons, private study, Year 11 revision session and after school clubs (which run till 4:00pm). Break and lunchtimes are the busiest times, with students revising, reading quietly, using the ICT facilities, playing chess and other board games and a host of other activities. 

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS 

Study Space 

Study Space is open to all pupils Monday, Tuesday and Thursday after school 3:05-4:00pm and provides a quiet and comfortable place, free from distractions that enables everyone to focus. It allows pupils to complete homework to a high standard and gives them free access to library books and facilitates computer/Laptops for research and free printing access. 

Chess Club 

The library hosts Chess Club every Wednesday 3:05pm to 4:00pm for all year groups. Whether you are a novice or a pro, everyone is welcome to join us for a game of strategy. 

Board Games Club 

Board Games Club is every Friday from 3:05 to 4:00pm for all year groups. From quick classics such as Uno and Connect 4 to more challenging games such as Battleships and Monopoly, there is something for everyone. 

The library plays an important part in motivating and encouraging students to read. 

There are several programs and initiatives that run throughout the school year to help struggling students and challenge confident readers. 

ACCELERATED READER 

Key stage 3 students have 2 one hour library lessons per fortnight as part of the English curriculum and participate in the Accelerated Reader Program. 

Accelerated Reader is a multimedia reading program for all Year 7 and Year 8 students. Through reading comprehension tests (STAR Test), students will be told their ideal reading book level. This ensures that the books they read are not too hard where they give up out of frustration or too easy that they find it boring. Students will read books of their own choosing and take computer quizzes to determine comprehension. Points are given for correct answers and a cumulative total is provided at the end of each test. Students are given individual point targets and rewarded accordingly. The school has purchased over 4000 quizzable books to allow students a wide variety of reading choices. 

THE READING DOCTOR 

Thamesview School library has 'Reading Doctors' who works with students that have been identified to have reading ages below age-related expectations and presents a range of barriers to learning. The Reading Doctor removes barriers to becoming a successful reader by building learning pathways that enables students to become confident and capable reader, who reads for pleasure and reads to learn. Find out more at www.thereadingdoctors.com 

LITERACY EVENTS 

Every year, the Library gets involved with nationwide events such as World Book Day, Roald Dahl Day, National Poetry Day and many other competitions to help children to understand they are part of a global reading community. World Book Day sees activities being run throughout the week to promote reading for pleasure such as 'Book Tasting', 'Title Quest', 'Book Character Hunts', 'Emoji guess the book challenge', 'Who's behind the Book?' and much more which won students prizes. These activities saw students and staff actively participating and working together to achieve success. There were other competitions running during breaktime and lunchtime such as Book quizzes for all students. 

Calendar of Literacy Events 

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR 

Our library runs a Scholastic pop-up Book Fair twice a year in celebration of reading. This helps put the very best books directly into students' hands, while at the same time raising Rewards to spend on free books and essential resources for the school. Every Scholastic Book Fair features over 200 titles, chosen by Scholastic's expert book buying team. Students can also use their World Book Day £1 tokens at the fair.