Pangbourne
College's Peter Points
Library
Librarian: Rhian Lane Phone: 0118 9767 464
Pangbourne College
Pangbourne Hill
Pangbourne
Berkshire
RG8 8LA
It is more true
than ever today that access to information is vital for effective study and
learning.
The spacious, purpose-built school library, named after Peter Points MA, Headmaster of Pangbourne College from 1969 to 1988, was completed in 1994. It offers a full information service in support of teaching for the whole school in a pleasant environment designed to encourage the habit of study. Its areas for class teaching, private study, Information Technology and "browsing" can be used separately or in some cases together.
The
non-fiction department holds a wide range of books appropriate to the
curriculum as well as newspapers, magazines and CD ROMs. Stocks are reviewed on
a continuous basis, and in any case annually, and updated as necessary.
The fiction
section has both classical and contemporary works and includes a variety of
audio books, which have been found particularly helpful for EFL
students - those learning English as a foreign language - and in literacy
projects. Altogether the Library has a stock, continually growing, of over
11,000 books. Each student may borrow up to five books at a time, initially for
two weeks, which may be extended on request. The library bookshop is well
supported by students.
A computer
area is equipped with printing, photocopying
and scanning hardware and software
to cater for students at every level. The computers are networked to the School
System, giving access to the Internet, and all other networked software.
Library and
Information skills - how to make the best use of the facilities for study,
research and the presentation of data - are taught as part of the English
programme in years 7, 8 & 9. Pupils quickly become confident and used to
working independently.
The Library
is open during lesson times, for the "central hour" when students
decide for themselves what sort of work to do, and during "Prep" for
the use of the Sixth form.
Students
take part in a variety of competitions and other events organised by outside
bodies or within the School itself. Such events have recently included World
Book Day, a young letter writers’ competition, Poetry Day and Readathon.
The Library Committee is newly formed with U6 pupils only. This committee discusses real issues concerning Budget, Library Events, ownership and future plans. The younger pupils are incorporated within a book review club discussing future purchases, current stock and how we can increase reading for pleasure. Both Committee and Club meet in Central Hour once a month.