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It’s time to let go of outdated beauty rules and expectations, and to discover empowering and exciting ways to express yourself.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!

Reading Programme

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We have started our reading programme in which S1 and S2 English classes will maintain a reading record when they come to the library. After reading each book they will write a book review to demonstrate that they have engaged with the book and to develop their writing.  The reading records and book reviews are held in files for each class and are available to the class teacher.

There is a spreadsheet for each class, shared with their teacher on OneDrive, which records each pupils general interests, favourite genres, the number of books they have read and book reviews they have written, as well as other information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Roch’s Library assistants have put together some great displays this month.  October is Black History Month, an important occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British society.  Pupils chose books by Black authors to highlight for the month, including fiction by Angie Thomas , Malorie Blackman and Sharna Jackson. There’s also a great junior edition of ‘Black and British‘ by David Olusoga available.

If you are a fan of star signs, we’ve got a new monthly Bookoscope display. Pupils have researched the different star signs to help them find books to match each one. Every month library assistants will choose new books for the current star sign. This month features Libra and Virgo. Don’t worry Scorpios- you’re up next! 

And of course, we’ve got our Spooky Reads to celebrate spooky season. Pupils have filled our display with horror, spooks, ghouls and (most frightening of all) glitter galore. Happy Halloween! 

White scary ghost isolated illustration

 

 

Holyrood Anti-Racism Library

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S6 pupils at Holyrood Secondary organised an Anti-Racism outreach library in the fuel zone. This event promoted anti-racist, diverse books, in a friendly setting – many young people and staff stopped to browse, chat and borrow during their lunch hour. The books were selected from the school library and included biographies, travel and culture, and fiction by authors of all different nationalities and cultures. Huge thank you to our S6 Anti-Racism Leadership Group for organising and making this such a fun lunchtime! Well done to our S1 helpers too, for taking over during BGE lunchtime.

 

 

October is Black History Month. Well done to Miss Porch’s S1 class, who took great pride in choosing books about black scientists, sports people, politicians and celebrities for our BHM book display. 

Our Holyrood Family is made up of young people from 44 different countries, speaking 62 languages (and counting!). We enjoy celebrating our many different cultures, with books and events in the library.  Our library stock is developing to better reflect the diversity of our school community. New ideas on how we can do this, are always welcome.

October Book Recommendations 

Librarian’s choice:

The Happiest Man on Earth: Author, Eddie Jaku survived terrible cruelty in the Nazi death camps. This is an incredible book about hope, courage and friendship that helped him survive.

Student’s Choice

Planet Omar, by Zanib Mian: Good for fans of ‘Wimpy Kid’, Omar with have you roaring with laughter.

Happy Reading!

Black History Month 2023 – Smithycroft Secondary School

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a display of non fiction books relating to black historyOctober marks Black History Month in the UK, which gives us many opportunities to celebrate the rich contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history.

The roots of Black History Month can be traced back to the USA in 1915, when historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson set up a Society to study the achievements of American Black people . Such achievements had been, until then, undocumented: therefore, this groundbreaking Society earned Dr Woodson the title of “Father of Black History.”

Black History Month wasn’t adopted in the UK until 1987, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean. It was launched in London by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, a refugee from Ghana.

This year, the theme for Black History Month is “Celebrating Our Sisters“. The school library is excited to participate by showcasing a collection of books which also highlight the impact that women of African and Caribbean heritage have had on society, culture, sports and science. Black women’s’ accomplishments were overlooked for far too long, so I encourage everyone to explore these books and be inspired by their lives.

Within Smithycroft’s school community, we take pride in fostering inclusivity and promoting anti-racism. One notable example is the Anti-Racist Club, co-led by principal teachers Gemma Walters and Rebeca Long, which provides a safe space for students to engage in important discussions surrounding racial equality. This club is also an important source of education for school staff on how to decolonize the school curriculum. Recently, students from the Anti-Racist Club were present at the launch of Glasgow City Council’s Anti-Racism Charter at the City Chambers, so the library is proud to promote anti-racism and a more inclusive history while surrounded by such smart young people.