A New Look Library

Students are enjoying the exciting changes made to the library over the summer break. The library was given a facelift, complete with immersive wall art, new shelving, decorating and a completely new layout. The old rows of shelving were replaced with open spaces and forward-facing and easily accessible shelves. Ms Fisher and Mrs Joyce have worked tirelessly to improve our stock of books and have taken advantage of the reinvigorated reading scheme at GMS by purchasing over 800 new books.

The library is a place open to all students in need of a quiet place to work, read or simply enjoy a quiet space at break times or after school. As well as this, Year 7 and 8 students have been enjoying once-fortnightly library lessons which have a new focus on promoting the love for reading across the different genres. The English Department has collated a new library lesson booklet designed to introduce our students to the different genres and the vast possibilities that reading can offer. The booklet takes advantage of the new library space by encouraging students to explore the different areas and genres that Ms Fisher and Mrs Joyce have painstakingly organised.

Any visitor to the library will at once be greeted with at least one of the displays that the library team create each month to celebrate a different focus within literature. We currently have two beautiful displays: one celebrating black authors for Black History Month and the other based on Remembrance Day. We are excited to continue to develop the library space at GMS and would like to encourage students in all years to come and have a look at the brilliant work that is being done!

However, the drive on promoting reading across the school does not stop there. The school have invested a considerable amount of money in purchasing books to read in form time once a week in Year 7 – 11. Whilst a challenge, the books were carefully selected to ensure that we cover themes which are topical, a diverse range of authors and a range of different styles. We are hopeful that our finalised list provides something for everyone! It has been a highly rewarding experience to hear such positive feedback from both students and staff with regards to reading in form time.

Year 7 

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis

Beowulf by Michael Morpurgo

Respect by Michaela Morgan

Year 8 

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Nation by Terry Pratchett

One by Sarah Crossman

Year 9 

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

The Crossing by Manjeet Maan

Year 10 

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood

I know why the caged bird sings by Maya Angelou

Year 11 

Oranges are not the only fruit by Jeanette Winterson

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Finally, our Sixth Form students have certainly not been forgotten about! The mezzanine in the Sixth Form study area has been given a makeover and re-designed to provide a quiet space for students to read. In addition to a plethora of books donated by staff members, each Head of Department has also selected three books (both fiction and non-fiction) which would help students to have a deeper understanding of their subject area. We are hopeful that the students take advantage of these new resources.

As ever, the importance of reading at home is paramount and we are grateful for any way in which you are able to support this.