The Library
Chiltern Academy Library aims to promote reading for pleasure and encourages a love of literature.
It also aims to support teachers and students with research-based learning across the curriculum through the wide range of non-fiction texts available.
Chiltern Academy Library provides a quiet learning space for pupils to enjoy reading the wide variety of books available, access ICT facilities and complete homework tasks or learning projects. All students are welcome to use the library’s facilities at lunch time and after school. Pupils in KS3 have timetabled library lessons as part of their English study.
Students are encouraged to use the library page of the Pupil Learning platform to access the wide range of reading initiatives, competitions, websites and online platforms that are promoted in the library. Everything is stored here for the pupils to make access to reading resources easy and accessible
Opening Times:
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 - 16.30
Friday: 8:15 - 16:15
Every lunch time
Book Loans
A reading book is part of school equipment, therefore pupils should have at least one book with them at all times.
The library has a large number of books and e-books available to pupils, both fiction and non-fiction, and we are keen to ensure the books are current and appeal to our pupils’ reading interests.
Pupils are able to borrow three books from the library at a time for a total of two weeks. Pupils are responsible for the books they borrow and any damage or loss will incur a cost to replace the book. Additional e-books and audio books can be borrowed through our e-library which can be found here.
Overdue books should be returned as soon as possible. No other books will be issued until the book is returned.
Reading Logs
Reading logs are issued to pupils in KS3 via Google Classroom each Monday.
Pupils should record their weekly reading as part of their regular homework. Pupils are able to express their opinions on the books they have read and make recommendations to others. We expect pupils to be reading for a minimum of 20 minutes each day and the reading log should reflect this.
Reading Support
Accelerated Reader
At Chiltern Academy we really value the importance of reading as it underpins success in all areas of the curriculum.
Evidence suggests that reading for a minimum of 20 minutes per day can significantly improve a child’s school outcomes. To support this, pupils in KS3 take part in the Accelerated Reader programme which helps teachers manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice and progress. This allows us to provide personalised reading support for our pupils.
STAR reading tests are completed each term by the pupils and provide them with a reading level and reading age. Pupils are able to chose up to two books at their own level to read for pleasure from the library. When finished, pupils will take a short quiz on the computer which helps us to assess how much they have understood. AR gives both children and teachers feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to set targets and direct ongoing reading practice. The quizzes undertaken will provide them with points as they work towards a target.
More information can be found on their website
MyOn ReadOn
MyOn ReadOn is an online e-book platform and support programme for students which helps them to develop their confidence with reading fluency and comprehension.
Lexia
Lexia is an online intervention programme to support pupils with their reading skills including comprehension, grammar and words.
Pupils on Lexia should complete the equivalent of 1 hour per week on the lexia programme. There is allocated time in the school week for Lexia work, however pupils should continue this independently to ensure regular practice and fluency.
Chiltern Academy Library Wishlist Donations
At Chiltern Academy we have a very strong culture of reading and are pleased that our pupils are keen to explore and enjoy a variety of books.
Reading is a fundamental skill which underpins success in all areas of the curriculum. As a new school, we are continually developing our library in order to cater for the growing number of pupils as we move into the new building.
We have worked closely with the pupils in order to establish an 'Amazon wish list' of books that they would like to be able to borrow from the library. The books cover a wide variety of reading levels and interests to cater for all of our pupils.
If you would like to view the "Chiltern Academy Library" wish list list in order to donate a book to our library you can access it here: http://amzn.eu/2lGtrp3.
All donated books will be available for the pupils to read in the library and will be greatly appreciated by the Chiltern Academy pupils. A personalised sticker of appreciation will be placed in each of the books to acknowledge the kind donation.
