Library at Lord Lawson
The Library at Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy is a vibrant and inclusive learning hub located on the top floor of the school. It provides a calm, structured environment where students across all year groups can engage in independent study, complete homework, and develop essential literacy skills. The library plays a pivotal role in supporting academic achievement, personal growth, and student leadership.
Curriculum Integration
Literacy lessons are delivered within the library, offering students the opportunity to explore a diverse range of contemporary and classic literature. These sessions enhance reading fluency, comprehension, and foster a lifelong love of reading. Students are actively encouraged to browse and borrow books for both pleasure and research purposes.
Our collection is regularly updated to reflect curriculum priorities and student interests. Special events such as author visits and celebrations like World Book Day bring literature to life, enriching the curriculum and inspiring students to read widely and with enthusiasm.
Personal Development and Wellbeing
The Library hosts a dedicated Mindfulness and Wellbeing Group, offering structured activities that promote emotional resilience, self-awareness, and mental health. This calm and supportive space encourages students to reflect, recharge, and build positive coping strategies.
Lunchtime Library Enrichment Activities
Our Library Enrichment Programme includes a wide variety of engaging activities such as spelling bees, book swaps, graphic novel creation, book clubs and events led by our Reading Ambassadors.
These sessions promote creativity, collaboration, and a deeper engagement with literacy. Students also have access to age-appropriate newspapers and magazines, supporting media literacy and critical thinking.
Book clubs provide a social space for students to discuss literature, express ideas through art and writing, and share their passion for reading.
Student Leadership Opportunities
We offer two key leadership initiatives through the Library:
- Student Librarian Programme (for students in years 7 – 9)
Students develop leadership and organisational skills by assisting with library management, curating displays, and supporting peers in book selection.
- Reading Ambassadors Programme (All Year Groups):
Our Reading Ambassadors lead literacy initiatives, design promotional materials, and contribute to our monthly reading bulletin. This programme nurtures teamwork, creativity, and a strong reading culture across the Academy.
Opening hours and access
In addition to lunchtime activities, the Library is open after school for students who wish to study, complete homework, or enjoy quiet reading time.
Reading Cloud
Students can access our library online through Reading Cloud. Logins to this service are available from the Librarian.
The Library at Lord Lawson is a cornerstone of our commitment to holistic education. Through academic support, wellbeing initiatives, and leadership opportunities, we empower students to become confident, curious, and responsible members of our school community.
