Library
Here at The Oakwood Academy we believe that reading for pleasure and school libraries are fundamental when it comes to literacy, student attainment and student wellbeing. In order for students to continue to access our library and new reading books during this period of time out of school, we will be introducing a ‘Click and Collect service’.
In order to make use of this service, students will need access to our new ‘Reading Cloud’ library system. This will enable students to choose books that can then be collected from our school reception. Each student will be able to take out up to four books at a time. There will also be an option to return books by firstly returning them on-line and then depositing the books at main reception.
Students have been given their login details but if you have forgotten it, email toa-library@oakwoodacademy.org.uk and let us know, and we'll send you your login details very shortly.
To support with logging in for the first time, we have attached a ‘How To’ Guide. This can also be found on the school website under the Library section.
Finally, we are also going to be introducing e-books into our library catalogue. This will be provided by a company called Overdrive, but students will be able to access them through the Reading Cloud. We will send out a text and email once this system is ready for students to use.
We know that we can count on your support to encourage your child to use this system to continue their reading development.
Click here to access The Oakwood Academy Reading Cloud.
Library
The Oakwood Academy Library is a safe space, a quiet space, and a learning space.
It is open to students and staff daily from 8.00am-4.00pm (except Fridays 8.00am-3.30pm). It provides a comfortable seating area for ‘reading for pleasure’ and a study area for independent work.
We offer a varied programme of activities throughout the week during lunch and after school, including a reading group, a games club, mindfulness, and Pride Club.
Reading is important to us at Oakwood Academy, and we recognise the part the library has to play in supporting students to make the most of the opportunities the Academy offers. When we often read, we become more confident readers. When we’re confident readers, we learn more. When we learn more, we achieve more.
Lunchtime Activities
- Monday - Games
- Tuesday - KS3/4 Book Club
- Wednesday - Mindfulness
- Thursday - Puzzles
- Friday -
- Homework Club is 3-4pm every day.
KS3 Accelerated Reader
All Year 7 & 8 students take part in Accelerated Reader (AR) lessons each week in the library. Here they are encouraged to read within their ‘Reading Zone’ so that the books they read, fiction as well as non-fiction, provide sufficient support but also offers enough challenge so that progress is made. Library staff and teachers support students in choosing appropriate reading material. AR encourages students to read through: quizzing regularly, tracking their own progress, and a competitive rewards' system.
KS4 Revision
Students in KS4 are encouraged to use the library to capitalise on the revision section, which has a whole range of resources on a whole range of G.C.S.E/BTEC topics. Computers are also available to aid research.
Student Leadership
The Library encourages leadership. Through our ‘Library Helper’s’ initiative, students are invited to apply and take part in an interview before being appointed. The role is demanding and carries responsibility. Library Helpers are responsible for the maintenance of a part of the library stock, they help create displays and are an integral part of events that take place in the library.
Library Events
We support events such as: National Poetry Day, National Storytelling Week, World Book Day, Poetry By Heart, Pride, as well as Trust wide events such as ‘The Big Quiz’, and the Trust Book Awards. We also promote an ‘author of the Month’ – this month it’s Roald Dahl. We run writing competitions throughout the year which are linked to themes and special occasions.
Photos from National Storytelling Week 2021
The Library welcomes everyone and supports all of our students.