Library

 

At OPGS we recognise and promote the power of reading to all members of the school community.

Our library is home to hundreds of diverse books, spanning from the medieval period right up to the post-modern era. It serves as the hub for curiosity, collaboration, and community and is encouraged to be used by staff and students from all key stages. Teachers from a range of subjects utilise the library as a learning space for students regularly to help foster a culture of research and reading for pleasure. It is also regularly used by our Sixth Formers as a study area.

Year 7 students are introduced to the library in their first term in collaboration with the English department to ensure that all pupils know how to best use this resource.

To prevent overcrowding and ensure that it remains a calm, productive space, the following library timetable has been issued for the 2026-27 academic year. Students can attend the library on their allocated day during break and lunch time as outlined below – however, if they are simply returning a book, they may do this during any lunch time. Years 11, 12, and 13, are also permitted outside of their allocated day if there is space available to support their studies ahead of upcoming exams.

Monday – Year 7

Tuesday – Year 8

Wednesday – Year 9

Thursday – Year 10

Friday – Year 11, 12, 13

All students can borrow a book. They can take out up to four books at a time and are in the first instance loaned these for three weeks. If after the three weeks, the student requires more time to finish reading these, they can request this extension from our Student Librarians or Miss Crouch who is available every lunch time. This will be dependent on if the books are reserved by another user whilst they are out on loan.

Our books are identified by a barcoded label and are recorded in our online library catalogue which is used to track what students are reading and when books are due to be returned. We also have a book suggestion box, ensuring that there are no barriers for students to access their preferred, appropriate texts.

Each year students are given an opportunity to develop their leadership skills by applying to become a part of the Student Librarian team.

Student Librarians form a crucial part of the school community. They are given the opportunity to:

• Collaborate with their peers to create and develop a catalogue of books to be proud of,
• Organise book displays with students’ current interests in mind to promote a culture of reading for pleasure,
• Utilise the online system to help support the day-to-day running of the library,
• Develop their oracy skills and confidence when promoting reading to their peers and visitors to the school during open day events,
• Be leaders of their own, and their peers’, learning.

The following books have been recommended by our pupils and are all available to be borrowed:

Year 7: The Code Book by Simon Singh. A Non-Fiction text that explores the science and history of coding.

Year 8: The Maze Runner by James Dashner. A dystopia that features a group of boys who are stuck in ‘the Glade’.

Year 9: Lord of the Flies by William Golding. A classic dystopian text that explores themes of power, fear, and control.

Year 10: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. A historical fiction novel set in Nazi Germany during World War II.

Year 11: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. A contemporary novel that contains themes of prejudice, family, and friendship.

Year 12: The Secret History by Donna Tartt. A psychological thriller that features classic tropes of ‘dark academia’.

Year 13: Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. A coming-of-age novel set in Nigeria, following protagonist Kambili.

Reading lists are available in the library. These are frequently updated to ensure that they best reflect the interest and challenge OPGS students deserve.

New for the 2026-27 academic year, OPGS is proud to present a book club for parents and carers, school staff, and selected students – Novel-Tea. Miss Crouch sends out information about the meeting every half term, and it provides a great opportunity for different members of the school community to come together, discuss books, and drink tea (other refreshments also provided).