Outstanding together, working together, learning together.

Literacy

7

Welcome to the Netherthorpe School Library

The library is one of the first spaces you’ll see when entering the school, located near the reception and easily accessible to all students. It offers a calm, welcoming environment where students can read, relax, play games, and join a range of clubs during lunch and after school.

What’s On in the Library

We run a variety of clubs and events throughout the year, including:

  • Debating Society
  • Themed Events, such as Harry Potter and Halloween
  • Structured Social Time with Chess, games, and other social activities
  • Creative Writing Club
  • The Thesauruses’ Book Club
  • Seasonal events like Harry Potter Week, World Book Day, and Scholastic Book Fairs

A Student Friendly Space

Books are organised by genre instead of the traditional Dewey Decimal system, making browsing easier and more enjoyable. Categories include:
Mystery, Comedy, Identity, Adventure, Dystopian, Magic Realism, History, Sci-Fi, Sport, Manga, Shakespeare, Poetry, Non-Fiction, and more.

We also feature regularly updated displays based on seasonal themes and current topics.

Recommended Reading by Year Group

We’ve carefully curated book lists for each year to support both reading for pleasure and academic development. Some highlights include:

Year 7

  • War Horse – Michael Morpurgo
  • Percy Jackson series – Rick Riordan
  • The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins

Year 8

  • The Land of Roar – Jenny McLachlan
  • The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Black Brother, Black Brother – Jewell Parker Rhodes

Year 9

  • Mortal Engines – Philip Reeve
  • To Kill A Mockingbird – Harper Lee
  • The Northern Lights – Philip Pullman

Year 10

  • 1984 – George Orwell
  • The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
  • Hamlet – William Shakespeare

Year 11

  • Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier
  • The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
  • The Road – Cormac McCarthy

Sixth Form

  • The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
  • Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo
  • Birdsong – Sebastian Faulks

Birdsong – Sebastian Faulks

At Netherthorpe School, we are deeply committed to fostering a love for reading among our students. We believe that supporting reading is fundamental to developing strong literacy skills that will benefit students throughout their academic journey and beyond. Our initiatives include a well-stocked library that promotes a wide variety of genres and themes, making reading an enjoyable experience.

Additionally, we organize engaging events and clubs, such as creative writing and book clubs, which provide students with opportunities to explore literature in a collaborative environment. By encouraging a culture of reading, we aim to instill lifelong learning habits and prepare our students for future academic challenges. Together, we can create a community that values and celebrates the joy of reading.

How Parents Can Support

Here’s how you can help build a love of reading at home:

  1. Create a quiet, comfortable reading space.
  2. Read with or alongside your child.
  3. Support their interests—whether it’s books, comics, or magazines.
  4. Encourage daily reading (15 minutes is ideal!).

Useful Links & Resources

  • Carnegie Writing Winners
  • AR Book Finder
  • Cool Reads

AR Book Finder

Cool Reads

Free Audiobooks:

BBC Sounds, BorrowBox, Libby, Spotify (1/month with Premium)

📚 Don’t forget your local library!

BBC Sounds, BorrowBox, Libby, Spotify (1/month with Premium)

📚 Don’t forget your local library!

“The library is a real asset… a ‘special haven’ for many pupils. Genre Bingo encourages students to try different books. The clubs are valued by pupils of all ages.”

Contact

Mrs Wainwright | cwainwright@netherthorpe-mlt.co.uk

Mrs Eyre – Literacy Co-ordinator – kyarsley-eyre@netherthorpe-mlt.co.uk

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