Birchwood Library and Resource Centre
Mrs Gibson is our Library Resource Manager and is responsible for the overall management of the Library.
A small team of Student Librarians assist in keeping the Library organised and tidy.
The Library offers an interactive platform, via the Reading Cloud online cataloguing system, for students to read, write and publish book reviews. Please click on the Reading Cloud button to the right – this will take you straight to the school library homepage. All students and staff have unique log-on details – these are required in order to submit a review, renew or reserve an item.
For more information please contact Mrs Gibson jgibson@birchwoodhigh.org.uk
Welcome!
The library is used by students and staff for:
- Individual study
- Research/Information literacy
- Reading for pleasure
- Events
- Paired Reading
Opening Times
- Monday: 8:15-8:45am and 3:05-4:15pm
- Tuesday: 8:15-8:45am and 3:05-4:15pm
- Wednesday: 8:15-8:45am and 3:05-4:15pm
- Thursday: 8:15-8:45am and 3:05-4:15pm
- Friday: 8:15-8:45am and 3:05-3:45pm
The library is open to all students during the times above.
It is also open for reading or silent study to all year groups during morning break (Monday-Friday) and during lunchtime (Monday-Thursday).
Sixth Form students can access the library at anytime for private study during the school day.
Resources
- A range of non-fiction and fiction books
- 8 networked computers with Internet
- Library catalogue and loan system
- Printer, scanner and photocopier
- Audio books and DVD’s
- Careers Information
Latest News
Carnegie Shadowing
Birchwood Bookies are shadowing the Carnegie Medal again this year. The Carnegie Medal is a British literary award that annually recognises one outstanding new English-language book for children or young adults. There are eight books on the shortlist and our bookworms are reading their way through them all. This will culminate in an afternoon on 18 June when we cast our votes for our favourite book before finding out the official judges’ top pick. There is still time for students to get involved, just speak to the librarian to receive your Carnegie Shadowing booklet and start the reading journey.
Ms Hall, Librarian
Book Reviews of the Month
Aguero by Matt and Tom Oldfield
Aguero is the tale of the boy who would go on to re-write football history. His 94th minute goal for Manchester City on the final day of the 2011/2012 season was the most electric moment in Premier League history. This is the story of how a small boy from Argentina became the biggest hero of all.
Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone
This is a story about an eagle huntress, an inventor and an organ made of icicles. But it is also a story about belonging, even at the very edges of the world.
All the Things that could go Wrong by Stewart Foster
Dan is angry. Nothing has been the same since his big brother left and he’s taking it out on the nearest and weakest target: Alex. Alex is struggling. His OCD makes it hard to leave the house, especially when Dan and his gang are waiting for him at school. Forced together during the summer holidays – what could possibly go wrong?
...and one for the parents:
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig
Tom Hazard has a dangerous secret. He may look like an ordinary 41-year-old history teacher but he has been alive for centuries. As long as he keeps changing his identity he can stay one step ahead of his past… The only thing he must not do is fall in love.
Young Carers go to Vire
On Friday 23rd March, the Vire Zone in Bishop’s Stortford town centre opened its doors to a group of ten students aged between eleven to sixteen from Birchwood High School.
The students, who are all young carers, took part in a range of activities including the Nuclear Launch Escape Room, virtual reality computer games and the Nerf Battle Arena. They all had a wonderful time, demonstrating great team work and resourcefulness. The idea behind the trip was to provide an opportunity for the students to enjoy themselves and bond as a group. Due to their home circumstances young carers may not have the chances to socialise and have fun that other students do. By the end of the hour and a half session, everyone had tried at least two activities, there were big smiles all round and the confidence of the group had visibly increased. Feedback from the students was that…
“everyone at the Vire Zone was really friendly. There was a lovely atmosphere and we felt welcomed as soon as we walked through the door.”
Kate Byers, Community Manager at Birchwood High School thanked Ian Cox, owner of the centre, and his staff for their time and generosity in making the afternoon possible.