Library & Sixth Form Centre

The Library is committed to encouraging independent, inquisitive and informed learners by promoting reading for pleasure and information in a vibrant space where all are welcome. We aim to empower pupils to become proficient and responsible users of information in a changing global environment.
The Library is a busy and popular space within school, staffed by a full-time Chartered Librarian and a part-time Library Assistant to help pupils find and utilise resources.

A wide range of stock supports both the academic and recreational interests of all pupils, including fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, magazines, newspapers, games and puzzles. The Library also provides a comprehensive range of online resources including JSTOR, primarily aimed at Key Stage 5 pupils, which enables them to access resources to support their current studies and to explore subjects they may wish to study at university. Sixth Formers have exclusive use of the study centre, on the first floor, which holds additional resources to support the A level curriculum and beyond. Pupils in Years 7-11 are issued with iPads and Sixth Formers may bring their own devices or use the desktop PCs available in the Library and Sixth Form Study Centre.  Wi-Fi is available throughout, and two multi-function printers enable pupils to print, scan and copy.

The Librarian works closely with teaching staff to ensure the stock is always up to date and relevant to the curriculum and caters for extra-curricular interests. We provide resources that reflect the whole pupil and staff body and aim to stock fiction that reflects the experiences of the School community. We strive to select books by a diverse range of authors, which positively portray all races, genders and those with physical or mental challenges and avoid resources that may promote racial, ethnic or religious stereotyping. We welcome pupil recommendations for additions to the Library and purchase wherever appropriate. We also ensure that we provide accessible material to support all reading abilities, including dyslexia-friendly formats and books for pupils with English as an additional language.

Sixth Form pupils have timetabled study periods in the Library and Study Centre, where a member of teaching staff is on hand to supervise and offer additional support if needed.  A recent refurbishment of the space has provided a variety of working areas, including a standing desk and collaborative working tables. As well as this, pupils benefit from the opportunity to work independently in a silent workspace, which aims to prepare them for the formal expectations of higher education.

The Library is open before and after the school day, allowing pupils to use the facilities for quiet study, research and reading for pleasure. Classes and individuals visit to investigate topics and find resources during the School day, when Library staff are available to introduce them to specific collections and teach information literacy skills. All new pupils are given an introduction to the Library and the Library staff produce help guides and reading lists so that pupils can make the most of the resources available. The Library also produces a termly enrichment booklet with details of local exhibitions and museums to enhance pupils’ knowledge of the wider curriculum.

Events & Clubs

The Library runs a wide range of events to promote reading and learning, including workshops with celebrated authors, such as Ella McLeod and Sarah Govett who visited recently. The Library hosts the Russell Talks series of presentations for the Senior School and our pupils in Year 6, and all pupils and staff are encouraged to volunteer for additional talks to share their enthusiasm and knowledge on a variety of topics, both within and beyond the curriculum.

Pupils have the opportunity to take part in national writing and poetry competitions, and the Library works in conjunction with the English Department to organise poetry and prose festivals to encourage and reward creativity.

The Library regularly marks World Book Day, Black History Month, Lunar New Year and other key dates with special events, competitions, displays and celebrations. Selected pupils in Year 8 are invited to take part in the Trinity Schools’ Book Award scheme each year and attend the award ceremony at the host school. The Library is pleased to support the School’s Duke of Edinburgh scheme by offering volunteering opportunities for pupils.

Each Friday, we end the week with a Manga and Japanese Club at lunchtime and PuzzleQuest – our after-school Puzzles and Games Club. Popular with pupils across all year groups, both clubs enable pupils to have fun, improve their logical thinking and problem-solving skills and form friendships with pupils from all year groups.

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The best way to understand Royal Russell is to come and see it for yourself. Walk the grounds, meet our pupils, talk to our staff, and decide whether this is the right place for your child.

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