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Learning Resource Centre - (LRC)

Aim

The learning resource centre continuously aspires to provide staff and students with learning support and development both in and outside their lessons. To accomplish this we regularly update and refresh our non fiction resources to ensure they compliment the curriculum and strive to create a pleasant working environment. We also promote students to read for pleasure during their leisure time, actively encouraging them to browse through our diverse fiction section and borrow the resources.

History

Past

For over 15 years the Learning Resource Centre was situated within the main school building, adhering to a traditional library layout.

Right:  Image of the former library located in the main school

Present

During the summer of 2006 the LRC was relocated above the sports facilities and underwent a contemporary refurbishment. Now computers sit side by side with books, providing students with the facilities to research and complete homework using a variety of resources in a spacious environment. Comfortable seating and reading areas were created close to the fiction section, providing a relaxed zone in which students may sit and read.

	Left: Both text and electronic resources are available to all students
Right: Comfy seating area for readers.
	Left: Computer suite attached to the LRC, frequently used for lessons.

The new facility was officially opened on 11th October 2007 by ‘old boy’ Mark Brealey, who is now a QC at Brick Court Chambers in London specialising in EU and Competition law.

Opening hours

The Learning Resource Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 08.50 until 16.25.

• Morning break
• Lunchtime
• During lesson (provided there is not a class in the LRC and you have a pass from your teacher)

Please do not hesitate to pop in.

Resources

Non-Fiction

Currently, the LRC has 3000 non fiction books, spanning all subject areas studied within the school. All resources are specially selected in accordance to their reading level, thus ensuring they are reader friendly to the relevant student year studying that particular topic. The LRC also offers many general interest books for students to read, allowing them to explore around the areas taught in class.

Fiction

In line with our reading for pleasure ethos, a sizeable part of the school LRC stock includes a wide range of both children and adult fiction.

Computers

The LRC has 60 computers, all of which are networked. Along with all the other processors in the school, these computers are connected to a black and white/ colour A4/A3 laser printer located at the LRC reception.

Newspapers and Subscriptions

• Newspapers: Students are able to catch up on national and local news daily through the 4 newspapers the LRC purchases; The Times, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail and The Sleaford Standard (weekly)
• Subscriptions: Currently, the LRC receives 4 magazine subscriptions: The New Scientist, BBC History, BBC Focus and Computer Active, and one internet database: Active History accessible to all students

Videos and DVDs

The library has a selection of videos and DVDs for students and staff to borrow overnight or for end of term lessons! The loan period for these materials is one night, requiring either return or renewal the following school day.

Careers Resource Centre

The LRC contains a Careers/ Further and Higher Education section consisting of occupational information, university prospectuses, local collage information and life style issues. All information is updated on a regular basis.

One day a week a careers advisor visits the school and holds interviews with students in the LRC.

Fines

Books

There is a 5p fine rate for every working day the resource is overdue. The maximum fine imposed is 50p.

CD / Video / DVD

There is a 25p fine rate for every working day the resource is overdue. The maximum fine imposed is £2.50.

Overdue letters are sent out to students every 2 weeks. Pupils will receive three reminders in school, the fourth and subsequent reminders are sent home to parents. When a fourth reminder is sent home a C2 shall be issued to the student.

System

The LRC uses Search star, an OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue), which enables students to search the LRC resource catalogue from any of the computers networked around the school. Search star allows the individual to search specified fields (keywords, Author, Title etc.), allowing the user to retrieve information such as availability, location and description of a chosen source. This online system also displays useful websites connected to your search, enables you to reserve materials and post reviews on resources.