The library at Thomas Clarkson Academy is located near the Eden café and is open throughout the school day, from 8:15 am.  Miss Robinson is our Librarian. Key Stage 3 classes will have scheduled library lessons throughout the week, and students across all year groups are encouraged to use the library facilities for quiet reading, homework, and independent study during their free time.  

Miss Robinson supports students to use the library during breaks and lunches, whilst encouraging and assisting them to take responsibility for their own learning. Sixth-form students may use the library during any periods they are not in timetabled lessons.

Reading is central to our academy and the curriculum.  The library regularly runs promotional activities aimed at encouraging students to read for pleasure.  These include themed book displays, quizzes and competitions; supporting reading activities in Tutor Time; inviting authors to visit; celebrating National Poetry Day; participating in national initiatives such as Carnegie Shadowing and Bookbuzz; celebrating World Book Day; and the school’s own Book Week in March.  Students are rewarded with a Green Card, and often the chance to win a prize, when they take part in library competitions.

The library has a dynamic and evolving collection that incorporates everything from the latest prize-winning fiction to material to support the curriculum. Students and staff are welcome to request items for stock at any time by speaking to Miss Robinson in person or completing the form at the bottom of the page.

Resources include:

• A wide range of fiction and non-fiction books
• IT facilities
• Revision resources
• A comprehensive library system, Eclipse, that can be accessed in the academy and from home
• Periodical journals for GCSE and A-Level subjects to aid both revision and wider reading.

• Read in front of your children
• Encourage your child to read for 30 minutes every day (read to them, listen to them read)
• Ensure that your child is reading a range of literature and is being challenged – help them to find something they are going to be interested in
• Show an interest in what your child is reading. Ask your child questions about what they are reading
• Make sure that your child keeps a book in their blazer pocket
• Read an article from a newspaper (or online news feed) to your child and ask them for their opinions
• Take your child to the local library (or library bus) and choose books together.