Library
The impressive and well-stocked Library in Queen’s Wing offers pupils at QEGS convenient access to a wide-ranging store of reference and reading material. It houses a stock of 14,000 items including books (fiction as well as non-fiction) along with national newspapers, magazines, academic journals, language audio CDs, videotapes, DVDs and stories on CD and tape. Pupils are encouraged to suggest new titles for the library. This results in a range of genres, which reflects the diversity of our readers.
The Library also offers CD-ROM facilities for pupils wishing to expand their research and is open all day from 8.45am until 3.30pm followed by the after-school Homework Club which runs until 4.15pm each school day.
A key facility in familiarising younger pupils with the resources available to help their studies, the Library is managed by our full time Chartered Librarian and has computerised catalogues and a new and impressive book issue system, Opac search system and electronic security gates.
Classes use the Library for research and project work. The Library has an essential role to play in supporting pupils’ learning and developing their skills. Library Information Skills are taught by the Librarian to 1st, 2nd and 3rd Year students (Years 7, 8 and 9) followed by the Reading Scheme, again under the direction of the Librarian: this is continued throughout the academic year. The skills taught equip pupils with effective research skills, enabling pupils to become independent learners.
A team of 2nd Year (Year 8) pupils follow the ‘Pupil Librarian’ training programme and assist the Librarian daily at lunchtimes. A ‘Pupil Librarian of the Year' is now awarded at the school's annual Prize Giving ceremony.
There are numerous clubs and activities to join, including the Book of the Month club, the prestigious Carnegie Medal club and the newly-launched ‘Telling Tales’ storytelling sessions.
