Category Archives: All

December in Smithycroft

It’s December at Smithycroft Secondary. It began with a lovely gifted donation by author Nadine Aisha Jassat who was the school’s Writer in Residency for 2023, working with pupils and the English Department on creative writing. Her book, “The Stories Grandma Forgot” is a beautiful story in verse about identity and memory and how family ties it all together.

As the festive season is undeniably upon us, I made a display widening the scope of Christmastime to focus on how many religions have Festivals of Lights coming up in these cold dark months: Hinduism’s Diwali diyas, Judaism’s Chanukkah candelabras, Christianity’s Christmas Trees and St Lucia’s candles all show that, no matter what background we come from, what we all have in common unifies us. So may we all share more light and kindness to reduce the darkness and loneliness during this festive season.

November: Book week Scotland celebration at St Mungo’s library

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We had an incredible time in our school library during Book Week Scotland last November! The week was jam-packed with thrilling activities that got the pupils buzzing with excitement.

Our talented library helpers put together a fantastic display showcasing this year’s theme: Advendure. The display takes readers on exciting journeys across different countries and fictional universes. It captivated the imaginations of visitors and inspired them to embark on their own literary adventures.

The S1 classes had a blast with the “Wally scavenger hunt” right in the library. With curiosity buzzing in the air, students eagerly searched high and low, putting their observation skills to the test. The thrill of finding Wally hiding among the shelves and uncovering hidden treasures sparked pure joy and excitement. It was a truly unforgettable experience that left everyone buzzing with enthusiasm.

But wait, there’s more! We hosted a sensational book giveaway all week long, and guess what? The books were absolutely free! That’s right, you read it correctly – FREE books for everyone to grab and devour! Pupils really went all out and cleared the table completely!

It was such a delight to witness so many books finding new homes.

This year’s Book Week Scotland was an absolute blast! Cheers to all those pupils who wholeheartedly embraced this celebration in so many wonderful ways. May their passion for reading continue to grow as they embark on countless literary adventures ahead!

October/November 2023 Roundup – Shawlands Academy School Library

It’s been a very busy few weeks here at Shawlands Academy School Library. With over 3800 book issues and renewals and 2270 visiting numbers throughout the two-month period, the library is the hub of the school community illustrating just how much School Libraries are essential to our pupils.

In addition to our regular book borrowing periods and lunch/break-times, other highlights over the past few weeks include:

Libby Inductions: We delivered Libby inductions at S1 English classes, ensuring pupils have access and choice to either physical or digital books.

Advanced Higher English Mitchell Visit: We arranged for Miss McDonald’s Advanced Higher English pupils to visit the Mitchell Library where they learned how to access the resources essential to their dissertations.

SfL Book Group: We’ve continued to work closely with the Support for Learning department on our weekly book group. The pupils are really enjoying reading and discussion Horowitz Horrors by Anthony Horowitz, a collection of short horror stories.

Book Week Scotland: Members of our Pupil Library Committee created and delivered a well-attended quiz during Book Week Scotland. We also launched our Library Mascot Design competition and received six amazing designs from our talented pupils. The designs have been posted on S1-3 Year Group Teams where pupils can cast their vote on their favourite design. The winning design will be announced in January 2024.

Pupil Library Committee: Our Pupil Library Committee have continued their brilliant work on creating monthly displays. October saw Black History Month, World Space Week, and Horror Stories for Halloween. November saw an array of nonfiction books for Nonfiction November, Transgender day of Remembrance, Dyslexia Awareness Week, and a selection of adventure stories to tie in with this year’s Book Week Scotland theme.

Autumn Writing Competition: Members of our Pupil Library Committee have also launched this season’s writing competition on the theme of ‘Autumn’. Winners will be announced this month.

SAARA: The School Library has been working with the Shawlands Academy Anti-Racism Association to choose additional anti-racism books that will be part of our Equality and Empowerment section.

Swatch: Our Winter 23 issue of Swatch, the Glasgow School Libraries eMagazine is now available. Here are some links to our previous issues: Autumn 23, Summer 23, Spring 23, Winter 22, Autumn 22, Summer 22, Spring 22, Winter 21, Autumn 21, Summer 21, Spring 21, Winter 20, Autumn 20.

Trending Booklists:

Book Lists – Scottish Book Trust

Books of the Month – Love Reading For Kids

Books of the Month – Scholastic

Books of the Month – Waterstones

Children’s Books Roundup – Guardian

New Releases – Epic Reads

Recent Awards:

Booker Prize – Winner

Books Are My Bag Reader’s Award – Winner

Information Book Award – Winner

Royal Society for Young People’s Book Award – Shortlist

Book Buzz:

St Roch’s Reads: November

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Book Week Scotland

November is the month for Book Week Scotland, an annual celebration of books and reading that takes place across the country.

So instead of our usual English class visits, we had activity session this month. S1 pupils competed in Blooket quizzes that tested (and refreshed) their library knowledge. Classes also played a big game of Bring Me.. Each team had to find books to match the cards and bring them to the teacher.

It got quite competitive by the end, the poor shelves took a while to recover. Well done to the victors!

It’s also non-fiction month! National Non-Fiction November is the Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ annual celebration of all things factual. This month we’re spotlighting a couple of our new non-fiction books to celebrate all those readers that have a passion for information and facts.

Tim Marshall’s global bestseller Prisoners of Geography showed how every nation’s choices are limited by mountains, rivers, seas and concrete. Since then, the geography hasn’t changed. But the world has and geography shapes not only our history, but where we’re headed. We have two exciting new books from Tim in the library this month, exploring how geography could shape the future of the world.

The power of geography : ten maps that re veal the future of our world / Tim Marshall

In this revelatory new book, Marshall explores ten regions that are set to shape global politics in a new age of great-power rivalry: Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Greece, Turkey, the Sahel, Ethiopia, Spain and Space. Find out why Europe’s next refugee crisis is closer than it thinks as trouble brews in the Sahel; why the Middle East must look beyond oil and sand to secure its future; why the eastern Mediterranean is one of the most volatile flashpoints of the twenty-first century; and why the Earth’s atmosphere is set to become the world’s next battleground

The future of geograp hy : how power and politics in space will change our world

Spy satellites orbiting the Moon. Space metals worth billions. Humans on Mars within our lifetimes.

This isn’t science fiction. It’s astropolitics.

We’re entering a new space race – and it could revolutionise life on Earth.

Both of these books are available now to borrow from the school library.

Ross Mackenzie at Riddrie Library

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On November 20th, a group of S1 pupils from Smithycroft Secondary School had the fantastic opportunity to stroll over to Riddrie Public Library to engage in a session with author Ross Mackenzie.

Ross is a captivating storyteller and kept the pupils group enthralled for the whole session by sharing the memories of how he became a reader and by transporting us into the magical worlds he created. When he unveiled the storyline of his book “The Colour of Hope”, and proceeded to read a chapter of this book out loud to us, we were on the edge of our seats, curious to hear what was coming next!

The element that made Ross Mackenzie into a reader was the excitement he felt when his P5 teacher would read “The Witches”, out loud to his classroom – a great testimony to the impact expressive storytelling can have on a young mind, flicking a switch that turns a child into an enthusiastic, curious reader.

The session continued with some creative writing inspired by “The Colour of Hope”, with Smithycroft pupils having a go at finding a story as to why a villain would steal colours from the world. Here are some of the explanations the participants came up with (click on image to open a large version in a new tab)!

At the end of the session, a Q&A allowed kids to ask Ross some questions – here are some of his answers to inspire everyone! When asked how to find what story to write next and how to find a story to write, Ross’ advice was to ask questions about the world, because questions help dig out stories; a beautiful metaphor likened this to “panning for gold”, a worthy nugget of gold might appear when sifting through all the questions and ideas travelling around the imaginative mind, so just give it a try!

The Power of Uniting Against Prejudice

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We live in a diverse world, and it’s more important now than ever to stand up against prejudice, discrimination, and bullying. By observing Anti-Bullying Week in conjunction with Islamophobia Awareness Month, we can address the complex causes and effects of prejudice. So, let’s explore why viewing these initiatives together is important, and how we can have nuanced conversations about the issues they touch on.

Both Anti-Bullying Week and Islamophobia Awareness Month aim to promote understanding, respect, and empathy. Discrimination affects not only individuals but also entire communities. By connecting these events, we can begin to unravel the root causes of prejudice that impact vulnerable ethnic and religious minorities, such as Islamophobia.

To have nuanced conversations about prejudice, we first need to recognise our own biases. We all have them, but being aware of them the key to breaking their hold on our thoughts and actions. Start by reflecting on your own beliefs asking yourself why you hold them.

Next, open up to listening and learning from others’ perspectives. Engage in discussions with respect and empathy, even if you disagree. Remember, everyone’s experience is unique, and we can develop a greater understanding of prejudice by listening and sharing our own stories. Fittingly, this year’s Islamophobia Awareness Month theme is #MuslimStories — giving you extra incentive to seek out and immerse yourself in the experiences of those who may be different from you.

Explore the history, culture, and contributions of different ethnic and religious groups. Education is crucial in challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers. Seek out accurate information, read diverse books, watch documentaries, or even invite someone from a different faith or culture to speak at school.

Finally, be an ally and advocate for those who face discrimination. Encourage your friends, family, and school to create safe spaces that celebrate diversity and respect everyone’s uniqueness.

By uniting Anti-Bullying Week and Islamophobia Awareness Month, we can address the complexities of prejudice and work toward a more inclusive society. Remember, small actions can make a big difference in creating a world where everyone can thrive. Together, let’s stand against prejudice and build a brighter future for all.

The BBC have released a Live Lesson for Anti-Bullying Week you can find here; Anti-Bullying week also provide free online CPD here. Additionally, if you’d like to try a book that spotlights Muslim experiences, you can find some curated lists here, here, and here.

Discovering the Power of #MuslimStories

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November is a month of immense significance, where we come together to celebrate Empathy Action Month and Islamophobia Awareness Month. These initiatives promote empathy, understanding, and tolerance towards people of all backgrounds, specifically focused on dispelling myths and educating ourselves about Islamophobia. This year, the theme for the Islamophobia Awareness campaign is #MuslimStories, emphasising the power of storytelling and reading to cultivate empathy and open-mindedness.

Stories hold tremendous potential to bridge gaps and foster empathy. They transcend boundaries, allowing us to explore the lives of others and challenge our preconceptions. By delving into #MuslimStories, we gain insights into the diverse experiences and perspectives within the Muslim community, breaking down stereotypes and fostering understanding.

In our school library, we are proud to support this cause by curating a collection of books that highlight Muslim experiences. These titles provide a platform for authentic voices, showcasing the beauty, resilience, and struggles of individuals from different backgrounds, helping us better understand their stories. As we immerse ourselves in these narratives, we begin to see beyond the headlines, beyond the biases, and into the rich tapestry of human experiences.

Reading these stories not only raises awareness about Islamophobia but also cultivates empathy within us. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others – a skill that can be honed through reading. By temporarily stepping into someone else’s shoes, we develop a more open-minded and tolerant perspective towards people who may seem different from us. As our empathy grows, misconceptions fade, and prejudice diminishes.

This month, let us engage in conversations that challenge our own assumptions and encourage a deeper understanding of Muslim stories. Through book clubs, discussions, and even creative writing sessions, we can create empathetic spaces where we can learn, reflect, and celebrate the vast diversity within the Muslim community.

Together, as we embrace Empathy Action Month and Islamophobia Awareness Month, let us recognise the power of storytelling and reading. By delving into #MuslimStories, we can take a step towards a more inclusive and compassionate society, where every voice is valued, respected, and understood.

This year’s Read for Empathy collection can be found here; and if you’d like to try a book that spotlights Muslim experiences, you can find some curated lists here, here, and here.

Bannerman’s new library helpers

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pupils writing the book genre inside the book

We have some new library helpers among the S1 pupils! This group of kids walked up to the librarian asking if they could help with anything, because they were bored… well surely there is a lot to help with, as the junior fiction has been recently divided by genres! So, pens at hand, they helped the librarian write the genre of books in the first page. Hopefully they’ll keep being this keen to help, because with about 1,815 books in junior fiction alone, the librarian cannot do this all by herself! #teamworkdreamwork

pupils writing the book genre inside the book

Non-fiction November @ Whitehill

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National Non-Fiction November is the Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ annual celebration of all things factual. This month in Whitehill school library we’re spotlighting some of favourite new non-fiction books to celebrate all those readers that have a passion for information and facts.

Engineers making a difference / Illustrated by Adam Allsuch Boardman

Engineers are the superheroes of the real world. They use their problem-solving skills to face down the biggest challenges we have, from creating clean energy to designing prosthetic limbs, from eliminating food shortages to programming AI to exploring the surface of Mars. In this book you’ll meet 46 engineers, from apprentices and lab technicians to university professors and start-up CEOs and hear what problems they are solving and why they love their jobs. Engineers are changing the world. Will you be one of them?

Beauty, hair, style / Sophie Hannah Stanford

It’s time to let go of outdated beauty rules and expectations, and to discover empowering and exciting ways to express yourself. Welcome to the new beauty bible. This book has absolutely everything you need to know, from how to put together your beauty kit, take care of your skin and master basic techniques, to ideas for experimenting with hair colour and styles, and finding sustainable ways to develop your look. Including step-by-step illustrated tutorials and aspirational ideas, it is packed full of information to teach, inspire and give you the confidence to develop your own unique style. Life is short – so let yourself feel good being you!

Pinch of nom budget : affordable, delicious food / Kate & Kay Allinson

Pinch of Nom Budget is bursting with meals and desserts that bring all the flavour for a fraction of the cost. From cheeky fakeaways and hearty one-pan meals to mouthwatering sweet treats, this food feels so indulgent that you’d never guess it’s also wallet friendly. Thanks to bold flavours, delicious recipes and affordable ingredients, Pinch of Nom Budget has your mealtimes sorted.

Automotive : a visual history of automobiles / Illustrated by Ryo Takemasa

A stunningly illustrated tribute to all things car, Automotive celebrates the ingenuity and usability of cars, trucks and motorbikes past, present and future. From Karl Benz’s Motorwagon, through to the flashiest, super-fast cars of today, Automotive is a spectacular look at the history of road vehicles throughout the world, and the fantasy and jaw-dropping awe they evoke. Packed full of iconic models including the rip-roaring Hot Rods and luxurious limousines with beautiful artwork by the award-winning artist Ryo Takemasa.

What’s where on Earth? History atlas : history as you’ve never seen it before

What’s Where on Earth? History Atlas is totally unique and the ideal book for anyone and everyone who wants to know more about the world. This round-the-world trip begins with the first humans and cities before visiting the Egyptian pharaohs and experiencing the rise of the Roman Empire. This History Atlas is the perfect gift for children curious about the past and the world around them, as well as parents and educators looking for a visual way to tell stories.

And last but not least, we’ve got some fresh footie books! Our football section is always popular, these won’t be on the shelf for long.

Football rules the world / Illustrated by Dan Green

Robertson : from the playground to the pitch/ Matt and Tom Oldfield

Vinicius Junior : from the playground to the pitch / Matt and Tom Oldfield

Klopp, Tales from the touchline / Harry Coninx

On a cold Monday morning, the serene atmosphere of the library was abruptly shattered when a diligent cleaner made a horrifying discovery – the lifeless body of the esteemed librarian.

Murder mystery

Now, a team of talented and committed young detectives has taken charge, leaving no pages unturned as they meticulously investigate every clue at their disposal.

Their unwavering resolve is to unravel this chilling mystery and bring the truth to light.

Rest assured, justice will prevail in this perplexing case!