Inverness Royal Academy: School Library

Joining the library:

The School Library is part of the High Life Highland Libraries network, so pupils automatically also become members of the Public Library (if they haven’t been before) when they begin Secondary school.  Once S1 pupils have been issued with their Young Scot cards later on in first year, this can become the library card too, if they prefer to keep everything together.  S1 pupils who do this will get free DVD loans from the Public Library for a whole year!

Facilities on offer at any Highland Library include the loan of books/DVDs/MP3s and other audio book formats , free computer and Internet access and the opportunity to participate in the Summer Reading Challenge.

The High Life Highland Libraries catalogue can be searched at http://highlifehighland.com/libraries and requests made online.  If you are not sure of your Borrower Number and PIN, ask the Librarian to help you.

Books borrowed can be returned to any other Highland Library, not just the one you got it from.

What’s on offer in the school library?

The Library is open at break and lunchtime, as well as before and after school – for reading, homework, or just as a place to chill out.  Pupils most welcome!!

As well as having access to everything the Public Libraries offer, each Highland School Library also has its own collection; these books are returned to the school because they are only available to our pupils and staff.

Our wide selection of books supports pupils with a wide range of reading abilities, for both recreational reading and to support pupils and staff across the curriculum. The Library also holds a range of DVDs, audio books, magazines, graphic novels and a daily newspaper.   Pupils can also use our Careers Library.

It is the pupils’ responsibility to return books on time, or ask for them to be renewed.   There is no fine for overdue books, but please note: if one is damaged or lost, then the school will ask for the book to be replaced.

Why don’t you follow the IRA library on http://pinterest.com/iralibrary/boards

Library periods

Pupils in S1 and S2 visit the Library once a fortnight with their English teachers.  Led by the Librarian, all pupils follow the “Power Readers” reader development scheme, which is designed to encourage and broaden reading habits.  Pupils aim to finish the Bronze level by at least the end of S1, with Silver and Gold to work towards in S2.

Reading is further encouraged through various other activities throughout the year, for example, games, class discussions and author projects.

Children who read for enjoyment are far more likely to do well in school, right across the curriculum.

Research has shown clearly that there is a strong link between developing a love for reading, and how well you do at school and beyond.

The aim of the Library is to help pupils develop as confident and enthusiastic readers.  It is very important that this is also supported in the home environment.

 

Research skills

Knowing how to find your way through the ‘information overload’ is vital. During their Library periods, pupils will learn skills to help them become much more efficient learners, who know how to search for, use, present and evaluate information effectively.   These skills are then reinforced across the curriculum.

Library clubs

The Library runs a number of reading groups, which often link in with various national Book Awards and sometimes organise trips out of school to book related films and book festivals.  The Hot Chocolate Club is just for S1 pupils.

Suggestions

We want our pupils to feel that the Library is their space, and are always happy to listen to their ideas and suggestions.

Librarian: Mrs M Davidson