School Library

At St Martin's School, our goal is for every young person to become a lifelong reader, who continually seeks to broaden their experiences, knowledge, and skills. We firmly believe in the transformative power of reading to nurture the mind, spirit, and curiosity of all of our learners, no matter where they begin their journey.

"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." — Joseph Addison

Our school library can be found on the North side of the school and is open Monday - Thursday 07.45 - 15.40  and Friday 07.45 - 15.30.

The library is also open during break and lunch times for homework, research, reading and book quizzes.

There are seven desktops and 18 laptops available for use and all have internet access.

We have a vast collection of fiction and non-fiction books to borrow for all pupils, regardless of Year Group. Why not check out our recommended reads in The Saints’ Reading Gateway?  Please click on the link below to access further information:

 

Accelerated Reader

Here at St Martin’s School, every pupil in Years 7 and 8 will take part in the Accelerated Reader Programme. After initially taking a STAR reading test to gauge their reading and comprehension skill, the pupils will then be monitored after reading each book, by taking a short computer quiz to check their understanding before being able to progress through the relevant book levels.

Every pupil in Years 7, 8 and 9 will also take part in DEAR time (Drop Everything And Read) for 20 minutes each day. Pupils within these Year Groups will need to have a school library book with them every day, as DEAR time can fall in any lesson throughout the week.

Pupils in Years 7 and 8 will also have a fortnightly reading lesson within the library with the librarian, who will be able to advise on reading material, monitor progress and help to improve existing skills.

During the two years in which pupils will have library lessons, there is a collection of badges, which they can earn by reaching an assortment of targets, ranging from how many words they have read to become word millionaires, or maybe by hitting their targets with DEAR time, and as a class working well together to gain Masterclass standard as recognised by Renaissance Learning.

 

Reading Progression

Here at St Martin’s School, every pupil in Year 7 and 8 will take part in the Accelerated Reader Programme.   All pupils will have their reading age tested on arrival and will have their reading monitored by taking a short computer quiz to check their understanding as they progress through the relevant book levels.

Pupils identified as needing additional support will have tailored literacy intervention provided by the SEN department.

Every pupil in Years 7 and 8 also take part in DEAR time (Drop Everything And Read) for 20 minutes each day. Pupils within these Year Groups will need to have a school library book with them every day, as DEAR time can fall in any lesson throughout the week.

Pupils in Years 7 and 8 will also have a fortnightly reading lesson within the library with the librarian, who will be able to advise on reading material, monitor progress and help to improve existing skills.

During the two years that pupils have library lessons, there are a collection of badges, which they can earn by reaching an assortment of targets, ranging from how many words they have read to become word millionaires, or maybe by hitting their targets with DEAR time, and as a class working well together to gain Masterclass standard as recognised by Renaissance Learning.