The Library echoed with squeals of surprise and shock as flames leapt towards the ceiling following a large explosion in early November.  No, this wasn’t a scene of disaster, but rather the result of the Library hosting a series of talks and demonstrations to mark National Chemistry Week!  The lunchtime sessions, run by Mr Dunlop,  were very well attended and certainly proved to be an explosive addition to the Library’s activities.  We are looking forward to more surprises next time.

Rather more sedately, the World Book Day Sale in March raised £133 for Book Aid International.  As well as being a good fund-raising effort for a very worthwhile charity, the sale also served as a source of new reading materials for participating pupils and staff.  We plan to continue with this venture in 2007. 

The Library was frequently used by whole or part classes to do research.  Topics included the British system of government, the chemical elements, Victorian mental healthcare, holy places  and alternative sources of energy.  Individual pupils, of course, used the Library in their free time at breaks, lunch and after school.  Weekend opening continued this year in the run-up to the public exams in January and June, and this was especially appreciated by the boarders.

Various displays were mounted during the year.  Perhaps the most popular was the one to mark Fairtrade Fortnight, possibly because it featured chocolate, fruit bars and other such delights; miraculously the display stayed intact!

Pupils continued to make suggestions as to authors or titles to add to stock and these were acted upon, where appropriate.  As a direct result of such requests, Anna Sewell’s ‘Black Beauty’ and books by Robert Jordan, Jacqueline Wilson and Oscar Wilde were purchased, amongst others.

A number of resources were added to support changes in schemes of work: for example, books on surf and skateboard designs were bought to support a new Art topic and a subscription was taken out for a new AS and A level magazine,  ‘PE Review’.

Top readers of the year were Francesca Laidlaw for  Years 7-11, Nattapon Kanokvaleewong in the Sixth Form  and Mrs Pepperdine from the staff.

M. J. Clower
Librarian