THE SCHOOL LIBRARY: LEARNING THE STRETFORD WAY Reading for pleasure is an important indicator of the future success

of a child: NLT ( 2008) The newly designed state -of- the art, reading rich and technology rich School Library is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm daily. It is available before and after school for quiet independent research, reading and revision. It is open at Breaks for various year groups. The library is committed to supporting learning and teaching in the school. It is also committed to promoting reading amongst students so that they can cross magic thresholds with reading. LIBRARY FACILITIES:

Pleasant learning environment for independent study and research. Quality collection of excellent award winning Fiction, Non- fiction books and selection of digital reads to support the school curriculum and reading for pleasure. Books available on loan following the school library policy. Innovative Large Interactive Touch Screen with dynamic multimedia learning and teaching tools and resources. Spaces for virtual learning, homework, revision and research. Brand new computers and laptops with internet access. Plasma screens with electronic displays, current news, school news and book reviews. Competitions and reading certificates. Homework help.

School librarian: Mrs. R. Manuel BA PGDip MSc

iREAD
The aim of iREAD (the new name for the Reading Club) is to encourage students to become confident readers. It began at Stretford High School in 2004. However, it has been in existence as a bi-weekly EAL ( English as an Additional Language) lunch time activity from 2000 run by Mrs. Aggarwal and Mrs. Thakar and as a Paired Reading Programme from 2002. iREAD meets in the School Library on Wednesdays and Thursdays after school from 2.35 pm to 3.15pm/onwards. Students have the opportunity to improve their reading skills in a supportive environment with help from specialist staff with expertise in Special Educational Needs ( SEN) and English as an Additional Language ( EAL). It is an opportunity for avid readers to access fine fiction from diverse cultures, develop an appreciation of their literary heritage and share their reading experiences. Students are encouraged to develop as enthusiastic readers and competent learners. Students have access to an extensive range of reading books and a selection of digital books. Refreshments are provided at the Club. There are exciting Members Only end- of- term and celebratory reading events such as National Poetry Day Reading Club event, Fruity Friday Reading Club event or Chocolate Fountain reading club events with refreshments, rewards and certificates. iREAD/ THE READING CLUB was:

Commended by OFSTED (2007) as a popular reading club Subject of a successful 2010Masters dissertation available at Northumbria University, Newcastle. The Masters research demonstrated that Reading Club students value reading since for them :

READING IS FROM THE HEART.

The Reading Clubs Gothic Literature Christmas Reading Club Event 2009, featured in School Libraries in View, Chartered Institute of School Library and Information Professionals online magazine, summer 2010.

Student quotes on aspects of reading:

I get a description of a character, I pull it into my imagination and then I twist it into any way I like. It enables me to walk in the shoes of others. Stories are passed on from generation to generation. Reading Club Staff: Mrs. Aggarwal BA, Mrs. Thakar BA, NNEB and Mrs. Manuel COMING UP:

Cullen Christmas Crafts iREAD event: 15th December from 2.35 pm in the library for iREAD students with Breaking Dawn inspired crafts. iREAD: Design a logo Competition for iREAD. All entries should be handed in to the library by 21-1-12.We look forward to seeing your entries.

World Book Day I March 2012: celebration of reading, free 1.00 World book day tokens, free world book day application with new short stories for teens, free book lists and more.