Our library has recently undergone a major refurbishment comprising quiet study areas, comfortable seating areas for reading and a computer suite complete with iPad bar and Full HDTV. The library is an ideal place to study or to relax and read a book.
The library is currently being used under teacher’s supervision during allocated times and there are safety measures in place regarding the borrowing and returning of library books in line with Welsh Government Guidance for schools.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday 8.30 – 3.30
We currently have a variety of books including fiction and non-fiction texts. Books can be borrowed for 2 weeks and pupils are allowed to take out 2 loans at a time.
Accelerated Reader
Our library is pleased to be part of the Accelerated Reader programme. This system levels a book based on the ATOS difficulty level, which will determine a book’s difficulty based on vocabulary, sentence length and average word count. All KS3 pupils complete STAR reading tests throughout the year, which gives them their ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development). Pupils then choose a suitable book based on their ZPD and complete a quiz once they have finished work to check understanding. Each quiz that the pupil completes and passes will earn them merits.
Parents can monitor their child’s reading progress by clicking here and entering their child’s Accelerated Reader logins that they use in school.
To look for suitable books for your child please click here: http://www.arbookfind.co.uk/default.aspx
The school also pays for every child to to access MyOn digital library. Here, they have access to thousands of books through any digital device. Their progress on MyOn is also regularly monitored by their teachers.
DEAR lessons
Willows High School holds DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) lessons for KS3 pupils once a fortnight.
Pupils are responsible for carrying a book with them to read during these sessions. Pupils’ reading will be closely monitored by their English or Journey 7 teacher for fluency, accuracy and understanding. Pupils should read at home for twenty minutes every night as part of our homework policy. We encourage parents to be actively involved in this process by encouraging and listening to their child’s reading regularly.
Literacy Intervention
We understand that pupils may need a little extra help with their reading. Willows High School uses a computer program to screen pupils and identify those with weak literacy skills. In the first instance, pupils will be asked to attend after school reading club in order to develop their skills gaps with their Journey 7 or English teacher. After this intervention the teacher will decide whether the pupil needs to be referred to the specialist teacher for extra support. The sessions work on reading comprehension skills, grammar, spelling and writing.