The Highcrest Academy

your learning resource centre

The Highcrest Academy Learning Resource Centre is a warm, lively, and welcoming space for all students. Our room houses both a large range of fiction and non-fiction books, as well as access to desktop computers and iPads, and tables for those who want to study or just be in the library.

Our LRC is staffed by a full-time Librarian, who is able to offer support and guidance to students, both in their reading journey and finding resources to support their studies. There are also a number of student librarians across the year groups who are able to help their peers find books, do homework, or just chat. Students can use the LRC from 8am before school, break and lunchtime and after school until 4pm (3.30pm on Fridays).

Our stock of over 7,000 books is regularly updated and we welcome recommendations from both students and staff. Our range of factual texts is currently being revamped, making sure that it is up to date and relevant for our school community. We aim to stock the widest possible variety of authors and new books for our students to experience. Our range of graphic novels and manga continues to grow and remains very popular with students.

Key Stage 3 Library Lessons

All Year 7 and 8 students have a Library lesson every two weeks during which students are given opportunities to explore literature and gain new literacy skills. They are encouraged to discover texts that interest them and will develop their reading. 

Our Monthly Newsletter

For news about what is happening in the LRC this month, please see the LRC newsletter. This is sent out to students at the start of the month and is packed with ideas for reading, upcoming events, competitions and new arrivals. Click here to see the Winter edition. We look forward to seeing you in the LRC soon!

If you would like to be part of the next newsletter, send us your book reviews, videos or art work for sharing to ketheridge@highcrestacademy.org.uk

Why reading is important and what reading can do for you:

There are many ways in which reading books can positively affect your life but what exactly do we get from reading books?

Brain gym - reading strengthens the brain, developing the network of circuits and improving connectivity. Reading actually changes your mind!

Empathy - reading fiction increases your ability to empathise and to understand the thoughts and feelings of others. It also improves your imagination, can take you anywhere, allows you to be anyone and do anything. Reading is a superpower!

Vocabulary - a 300-page book, with approximately 82,500 words, will probably take a week or two to read. It would take you about five and a half months to write a similar number of words, writing 500 words per day, seven days a week. Reading allows you to discover new words, writing styles and ideas without ever lifting a pen and because new words are presented in context, you are more likely to understand their meaning.

Stressed? Studies have shown that 30 minutes of reading can reduce stress as effectively as a yoga session or similar activity. Regular reading can also maintain cognitive function and even possibly avoid dementia in later life.

Feeling sleepy – reading allows the brain to start shutting down at the end of the day ready for restful sleep. Print books are better than reading on a device due to the effect of the blue light so keep a book by the bed. A good night’s sleep brings benefits of its own and a good bedtime routine will set you up for the day ahead.

So, what should you read?

The quick answer is anything you can. All reading is good for you and different formats help to develop your reading skills so try books, newspapers, magazines and online articles. The school library has over 8000 books to explore, plus magazines, articles and graphic novels. The library team will be more than happy to help you find something good.

Its never too late to get back into reading – the effects build up over time so the more often you read, the better you will get and the benefits can last a lifetime.

Year 7 Reading for Pleasure - click here

Year 8 Reading for Pleasure - click here

Year 9 Reading for Pleasure - click here 

Year 10/11 Reading for Pleasure - click here

Sixth Form Reading for Pleasure - click here

Bucks Schools Library Service:

The LRC also subscribes to the Bucks Schools Library Service which gives us access to specialist expertise and additional resources. The librarian is in constant contact with other librarians and book lovers, and are aware of popular trends in the reading community.

We also recommend that students join their local Public Library as membership gives them access to a great range of printed and online resources beyond what can be offered at Highcrest.

Our Library and Resources:

The Highcrest LRC has its own online library, giving access to an exciting range of ebooks for students. Each student is given a username and password to log onto the library, and they can borrow one book for up to two weeks. They can access the ePlatform and choose from over 1400 free books available to download onto a desktop, laptop, tablet, a Kindle Fire or even their phones. Click here to access the ePlatform. 

Click here for Highcrest's online learning resources

Online Resources:

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