Published on: 18 May 2017

The Senior School Library is a dynamic space on campus catering to the various needs of students, staff and the broader school community.

The library’s book collection is diverse and constantly evolving to reflect the interests of students and support academic growth. New titles, new genres, and new authors are promoted regularly and build upon a robust collection of classical literature that challenges the boys to read beyond the familiar.

The library extends well beyond the wealth of exciting fiction and informative non-fiction books on offer every day. To meet the ever-changing needs of 21st century learners the online library space and catalogue offers e-book and audiobook collections as well as research databases that provide access to an infinite range of digital resources – all at the touch of an iPad.

Before school, at recess, and during lunch the library is a hive of activity where boys are found filling their time in different ways. Be it studying, researching, catching up on homework, socialising, creating, playing or simply enjoying some much-needed down time, there is something for everyone. Alternatively, boys have fun playing cards, battling it out on board games or racing through a Rubik’s Cube challenge. Students may also be found pitching their exciting ideas for a brand new game they have imagined in ‘Game Devs’.

Senior Library Assistant, Mr Milton says “Our Game Dev group empowers boys to create their own original board and card games that reflect their interests. Students collaborate, manage projects, budget, test and develop their concepts as we assist them through the entire process of turning their unique ideas into professional-looking games.” This is an increasingly popular activity for boys in the library and made possible by the generous support of a Parents’ Association Grant.

Library classrooms are a bookable space and library staff are always on hand to demonstrate effective research strategies and to help develop students’ digital literacy skills to ensure they make the most of the opportunities that digital platforms present. Behind the scenes, the library staff are also working hard on developing original resources for students and staff to broaden knowledge of relevant curriculum topics. The flexible work spaces in the Senior Library also provides opportunities for staff and students to engage in innovative education practices. Virtual reality (VR) trial sessions and the after-school Study Lab with past students make the most of these spaces. Plans are also underway to construct ‘The Creators’ Studio’, a bookable space that allows boys access to digital equipment to be used for innovative creative projects.

A regular reading program with Years 7 to 9 students connects them with engaging books and visiting authors while encouraging reading for pleasure. The reading program not only nurtures a valuable lifelong hobby; it develops key literacy skills that underpin an individual’s academic success. Reading helps the boys imagine human experiences beyond their own and fosters their growth as empathic global citizens.

You can follow how the Senior Library is transforming and finding new ways to support students at Christ Church by visiting their blog at http://library.updates.ccgs.wa.edu.au/.