Library

The Library at the Downs School offers students and staff opportunities to read for pleasure, do schoolwork and to carry out research.  It is open every day and the collection contains resources including books, newspapers and magazines to support both curriculum requirements and leisure interests.

Library Catalogue

In addition to the print collection, 45 computers are available for research and schoolwork.  The library also houses the school’s resource of further and higher education and careers materials.

Mrs Berger, our librarian, provides a library skills programme to Year 7 and 8.  The school aims to encourage all students to become efficient researchers and to use these skills effectively to support their learning throughout their lives.

Students are encouraged to read for pleasure, because reading good quality writing is widely proven to extend vocabulary and to aid understanding.

Key Stage 3 students have library sessions every fortnight as part of their English tuition and Sixth Form students can use the library at any time for private study.

All students are welcome during break and lunchtimes to relax with a book or to do homework.  A weekly book group is popular and the library hosts various events during the year, including celebrations of World Book Day, the Book Grab or shadowing the Carnegie Medal.

You can download lists of recommended reading for Years 7, 8 and 9.  These lists are compiled from several sources, including book reviews, staff recommendation, Carnegie Medal nominations and BookTrust.