• Our junior students have reading sessions in the library as part of their English curriculum.
  • The library includes banks of PCs to aid independent study and classroom learning.
  • Meet the Author events, such as this one with Anthony McGowan, are very popular!
  • Students are given the opportunity to spread the reading bug!

“You want weapons? We’re in a library. Books are the best weapon in the world. This room’s the greatest arsenal we could have. Arm yourself!” — The Doctor, ‘Doctor Who’

At Isleworth & Syon, we feel that reading regularly is crucial for our students’ continued development. As such, it is vital that we have top-class facilities. The library consists of a well-stocked library of journals and books, with ninety computers for general use located in three distinct areas. During break and lunchtime, the library area is open for exchanging books and for students who wish to read or complete accelerated reader quizzes. We also open after school from 3.00 – 4.00pm, for students to complete independent study and homework.

All staff and students automatically become members of the library when they join the school and may borrow up to three non-fiction and three fiction books at a time, for a loan period of two weeks. Books can be renewed if not reserved by another person. Fines are not currently charged for late-returned books but reminders will be sent out and students will not be able to make any further loans until books are renewed or returned. If the book is not returned after a certain time, there will be a replacement charge.

As a library, we aim to:

  • Provide a wide range of information in text and electronic form as a support to teaching and learning;
  • Provide a safe and comfortable learning environment in which students can carry out independent research and develop their information and study skills;
  • Provide a wide range of information in text and electronic form as a support to teaching and learning;
  • Foster a love of books and a positive attitude to reading.
The library operates a code of conduct to ensure that the space remains a conducive environment for productivity and learning. Students must:

  • Not consume food or beverages anywhere in the library;
  • Put their bags in the racks provided;
  • Use the ICT facilities for study only, not for playing games;
  • Remember that the library is a quiet area to work;
  • Respect other users at all times.

Those not following the Library Code of Conduct will be asked to leave and failure to do so will lead to sanctions in line with the school’s behaviour policy.

The Accessit Web App enables students to view our library catalogue online.

Students are encouraged to use this to search for books and websites which will help them with their PPA, coursework and independent research, as well as finding books to read for pleasure, including a large collection of e-books.

Accessit also enables staff and students to reserve books through our click and deliver service; catch up with library news; write reviews; and create reading lists. To do this, students must login using their school user and password through the SSO bar (single sign on). At the top of the landing page, students will find two videos which give simple instructions as to how to get the most out of your library.

Accelerated Reader 2

Click on the button to login to Accelerated Reader.

Isleworth & Syon School uses the Accelerated Reader programme to promote reading for pleasure. Students take an online reading test at the beginning of every term to establish their reading level and are encouraged to read books they will enjoy. After finishing a book they can do an online quiz which checks understanding and gives them points towards their individual reading target. We monitor their progress throughout the year and reward students who meet their targets.

We expect students to read for at least twenty minutes a day, and encourage parents/carers to support their child by showing an interest in what they are reading.

Please find below our most recent reading lists. These were last updated on January 2021.

Books photo by Pixabay from Pexels.

The library organises regular visits from authors and storytellers, under the ‘Meet the Author’ banner. These visits are designed to promote the importance of reading within the school and inspire the students to undertake independent reading outside of the classroom.

So far, the school has been visited by Irish horror author Darren Shan; explorer, adventurer and writer Matt Dickinson; the thrill-seeking author of the ‘Keeper in the Realms’ series, Marcus Alexander; celebrated author Nigel Hinton; writer of the ‘Young Sherlock Holmes’ series, Andrew Lane; winner of the 2000 Blue Peter Book Award, Alan Gibbons; and esteemed writer Anthony McGowan.

During these sessions, students are given a talk by the author, who describes their writing process and their careers, often giving the students helpful tips. The boys are then allowed the opportunity to ask questions. Often, the authors also take part in a book signing.

These events have thus far proved very popular amongst students, who love hearing about the process of crafting a novel. We look forward to inviting more authors into school over the coming year.