PUPILS have begun the next chapter in their learning thanks to a brand new library.
Budding bookworms at Gurney Pease Academy have been given their own dedicated space to help inspire their love of reading.
Re-modelled from a former group work room, the new library contains comfortable bean bag seating, student study areas, shelves of alphabetised books and bright and welcoming surroundings.
Principal Alison Sinclair said: “The school used to have its own library but five years ago it was changed into an ICT suite.
“We had tried to create a library facility at the back of the main school hall but we really needed a dedicated room that all pupils could use as a quiet area for reading.
“I am delighted with the new room. We have had a clear out of some very old books and with help from the students have created a list of new books to order. We have set up a borrowing scheme so pupils can take books home to read and we have also enlisted help from four of our Year 6 pupils who are acting as school librarians.”
The new library will also help pupils to achieve their targets in the school’s Accelerated Reading programme, which sets on-line goals and challenges for pupils after they have finished a book before moving them on to the next level.
“If pupils want to be good at something they have to enjoy it,” said Mrs Sinclair.
“We already know how beneficial reading is and how it impacts on other areas of education, so with this new facility I want our pupils to see reading as something exciting and interesting and see how it can open the door to unlocking their imaginations even further.”
Librarian Shanelle Shipton, 11, of Darlington, added: “I really like to read and it is good to be able to help other people choose books from our new library to take home and enjoy.”
