LIBRARY NEWSLETTER TERM 3
The Library along with FHS students and staff have been really busy celebrating books and reading in school!
Scholastic Book Fair
Holocaust Memorial Day
To commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, Fairfield High School students and over 45,0000 others from across the UK joined the National Literacy Trust’s poignant live event which saw Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich in conversation with After the War author Tom Palmer. Mala shared her story with us and answered questions from students about her experience.
BTBA 2024
The Bristol Teen Book Award proudly announced Lewis Hancox as the deserving winner of the 6th annual Award for his exceptional graphic memoir, “Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure.” Hancox’s groundbreaking work has not only resonated with readers but has also exemplified the Award’s commitment to celebrating diverse voices and addressing the complexities of teenage life.
The Bristol Teen Book Award (BTBA) is an annual event organized by a dedicated working group as part of the School Library Association West of England Branch. The award aims to celebrate and highlight excellent literature for teens with a clear focus on diversity. Since its inception, the BTBA has consistently recognized a diverse range of voices and styles, featuring books that present individual perspectives and experiences, including those that are often unheard or forgotten. The books on the BTBA shortlist for 2023, a testament to the Award’s commitment to excellence in young adult literature, include:
- “This Summer’s Secrets” by Emily Barr
- “Crossing the Line” by Tia Fisher
- “The Haunting of Tyrese Walker” by JP Rose
- “Activist” by Louisa Reid
- “Steady for This” by Nathanael Lessore
These shortlisted authors, along with Winner Lewis Hancox, played an integral role in the award ceremony, attended by students from eight schools across Bristol. The event, held on February 7th at Orchard School in Filton, featured an exciting programme during which the shortlisted authors engaged with attendees through workshops and talks, offering valuable insights into their creative processes and experiences, and allowing students to connect with the creators behind the stories. Caleb Parkin, Bristol City Poet and compère for the Award Ceremony, skilfully guided proceedings, adding a touch of literary flair to the event.
World Book Day
World Book Day 2024 was incredible! FHS started celebrating before the day even began – working hard to dress our classroom doors as book covers and creating our costumes for the big event!
During Tutor Time students competed in a new event, trying to “Guess the Teacher” behind the Book. The competition was so tight and we had two tutor groups winning 1st place. Congratulations to 9L and 10L who were treated to some sweet sweet prizes.
At breaktime we gathered in the library for costume judging and pictures. This year was extra special to have so so many students and staff participate. During lunchtime we continued our festivities with some fun activities and treats. We created bookmarks, participated in the WBD Organisation’s Dinosaur Competition, we held an impromptu choir hosted by Bilbo Baggins and celebrated our favourite books!
There was a massive amount of engagement this year and the library is so proud of our students and staff for showing off their enthusiasm for books.
Enjoy your free £1 Book Tokens and happy reading!
These are the WBD 2024 Door Winners:
LIBRARY INFORMATION
Accelerated Reader:
All Key Stage 3 students (Y7, Y8 & Y9) take part in the Accelerated Reader programme.
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a software tool used for monitoring and managing independent reading practice. It is proven to raise literacy standards for students of all ages and abilities by motivating students to read more, suitably challenging books.
Students select a book at their individual level, read it at their own pace then take a short quiz to assess how well they have understood it. Feedback based on quiz results helps teachers and librarians to guide each student, to set targets and to direct on-going reading practice.
Accelerated Reader has more than 32,000 quizzes on fiction and non-fiction literature from over 300 publishers.
There are usually 5, 10 or 20 questions in a Reading Practice quiz depending on the length and complexity of the book. Approximately 200 new reading practice quizzes are added to the programme every month.
If you would like to check whether there is an Accelerated Reader quiz before choosing your next book, go to http://www.arbookfind.co.uk/
Resources:
Books
We have more than 7000 books comprising a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and reference titles.
ePlatform:
Every student at Fairfield can access a variety of eBooks and audiobooks through ePlatform. Thousands of books can be accessed from any device, even from home!
Simply go into Microsoft 365 and look for “ePlatform” under apps.
Computers
We have 17 computers available for students to check emails, complete homework and carry out research during homework club, break and lunchtimes.
Displays and activities
Colourful displays on a range of topical issues are regularly updated to encourage students’ interest and participation. Books and resources on current homework topics are displayed in a dedicated area of the library.
From time to time we have visits from authors and illustrators, who talk about their work or run workshops with our students.
Printer/photocopier
A printer is available in the library for students’ use.
Stationery shop
The library has a small shop selling stationery, calculators and memory sticks