Resource Centre

*Open every day (during term-time) between 8.15am and 5.00pm*

The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) at our Lady of Sion School is a whole school resource, open to, and available for, all members of the school community. Every member of our school is automatically enrolled as a member of the resource centre, and is able to use all the facilities offered. Provision is made for all ability levels, and extra care is taken to ensure there are resources of a sufficient level to support pupils on the ‘Gifted and Talented' programme.

The Learning Resource Centre is open every school day, between 8.15am and 5.00pm. Mrs. Jones, the LRC Manager, is on duty from 8.15am - 1.45pm and from 2.45 - 5.00 pm. At other times, a member of teaching staff will be on duty to supervise pupils wishing to use the computers and other facilities.

Pupils have open access to the LRC before the start of the school day, at break and lunchtimes, and after the school day finishes till 5pm. During lesson times, pupils can use the LRC if they have been timetabled to do so, or if they have been given permission by the relevant member of teaching staff. Sixth Form pupils have access throughout the school day, and can work in the LRC during their free-study periods.

The LRC is a quiet working area, and pupils are asked to respect the fact that others wish to work without distraction or interruption. Food and drink may not be consumed in the LRC. Drinking water may be brought into the LRC in bottles, but must be kept well away from the computers. Mobile phones may not be used in the LRC.

There are 18 computers in the LRC, which are to be used for school work only. All are linked to the school network, and have internet and e-mail access. Each pupil has their own log-in name and password for use on the school's computer network and e-mail system. These are confidential, and should not be passed to other network users.

LRC Stock
The LRC stocks a wide range of books, which can be taken out on loan to use for study or for recreational reading. There is an informal seating area where daily newspapers and magazines may be read in comfort. There is a stock of DVDs and videos, which can be borrowed, to support English, Drama and Language coursework.

At Our Lady of Sion, we aim to encourage the enjoyment of reading for pleasure, and the LRC stocks a wide range of fiction reading resources to appeal to all interest and age levels. The LRC manager liaises closely with the English Department to support and extend reading undertaken in English lessons. A recommended reading list is produced and updated regularly for each school year.

The aims of the LRC are to:

• support independent learning and to encourage academic achievement
• maximise the effectiveness of students' work through the provision of relevant and up-to-date resources
• provide an attractive environment for study and leisure reading, and to promote interest and enthusiasm for the latter

The LRC Catalogue is accessible on-line, and all pupils will be encouraged to use this to research the resources available for their studies.