School Library
"The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library" - Albert Einstein
Welcome to Valentines High School Library!
We aim to:
- Support students in becoming independent thinkers and learners
- Encourage students to read for pleasure and become lifelong readers
- Support teaching and learning through the provision of good, up to date resources
- Provide a resource proven to have a positive impact on wellbeing
The library is a vital part of the school's educational experience, serving as one of its key learning hubs. While teachers facilitate face-to-face group learning in classrooms, the library supports this by providing a space for independent study. Students can visit the library to prepare for upcoming lessons, complete homework, work on projects, revise for exams, or simply enjoy reading our wide selection of books and magazines. Learning takes place not only through printed materials but also through digital resources such as computers and iPads.
The library at our school plays a central role in fostering a love for reading and supporting the academic development of all students.
Accelerated Reader programme
We run the Accelerated Reader programme, testing all Key Stage 3 students four times a year through the Star-Reading tests. These assessments help determine students' reading ages and book levels. Year 7 students receive regular library lessons where they borrow books tailored to their reading levels and take quizzes to reinforce their comprehension. A friendly competition between Houses encourages students to increase their word count and quiz accuracy, with prizes awarded at the end of each lesson to motivate continued engagement with reading.
To date, our students have read over 20 million words, with 6 students achieving Word Millionaire status in just a term and a half. Our target for the year is to reach 40 million words and have 15 Word Millionaires. Students who do not meet their reading age targets are invited to participate in literacy intervention sessions, where they read with a Year 12 literacy prefect until they show improvement. This intervention has proven to be effective in boosting reading confidence and enjoyment.
In addition to promoting academic reading, we encourage students to read for pleasure through various lunchtime clubs, including Origami, Manga, Calligraphy, Library Workshop, and the Happy Friday Mindfulness Colouring Club. These clubs provide students with opportunities to explore their creativity and relax in a positive and supportive environment.
The library is a welcoming space for all students, particularly those who find it to be a haven from the demands of school life. We maintain a quiet, safe atmosphere where students can focus on their work or simply unwind. To ensure this environment is respected, we ask students to refrain from talking, eating, or any disruptive behaviour.
Our library boasts one of the best collections of books in the borough, with a wide range of resources that align closely with the curriculum, as well as materials that challenge students’ intellectual curiosity. Our comprehensive reference section and collection of bilingual dictionaries and storybooks cater to our diverse student body, including those for whom English is an additional language.
We strive to nurture well-rounded, enthusiastic readers by staying up to date with the latest trends in teen fiction and offering students the opportunity to participate in external reading competitions, such as the Redbridge Children’s Book Awards. Through these initiatives, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning among our students.
Library Staff
School Librarian: Mrs M Fulton
Tel: 020 8554 3608 Ext. 528
Useful Links
More than books: What students say about our Library
"In my opinion, the school library is a place that is entirely different from any other room. Just as the children stepped into a wardrobe and stepped out into the magical world of Narnia, the library is a wondrous place full of books, articles, factual documents and origami that, altogether, have created some of the best memories of Year 7 for me... Yup, it looks like school is an amazing place to be, but the library.....is a whole lot more than that."
Amaan Zahra, Upper 3
"Our School Library is not just for reading; it’s also a hub of creativity and connection. The library runs a lot of fun clubs, like the Origami Club for folding up something amazing, the Mindfulness Sessions for relaxation and recharging, and the Manga Club for diving into your favourite series with friends. Do you love organizing and sharing books? Join the Library Workshop and help shape our space. One of the best things about our Library is its huge variety of books to choose from. Whether you love thrilling adventures, heartwarming stories, or fascinating non-fiction – there is something for you all to enjoy! It’s a place where I discover new authors, explore different genres, and always find a book that sparks my interest. Whether you are here to learn a new skill, read or just hang out, there’s something for you. Come join in!"
Amelia Rehman Y7 Q5
"I really enjoy being in the library because I love looking at all the manga books' selection and I love drawing in the Manga Club. I admire the manga art-style very much, so as well as reading the books, I also draw copies of their pictures. I think I can now consider myself a manga artist."
Alisha Shahjahan Y10 K2
