Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Flip

Original poster

Working in a secondary school?

12 replies

GingerPuddin · 09/05/2015 07:39

I have an interview for a job as manger of a secondary school library next week. I've worked in libraries for ages but never a school library. Can anyone let me know what working in a secondary school is like? my son is going to start primary school next year and I'm not from the UK so didn't go through the school system here.

OP posts:

honeysucklejasmine · 09/05/2015 07:44

You will need to be able to handle teenagers!

A lot of schools have different rules for their libraries. In some cases it's a free for all at lunch and break time. In others its a sixth form only zone and uses for studying. It would be worth asking about who has access when, and whether you will get any training in behaviour management.

Phineyj · 09/05/2015 07:44

They might ask you about supporting GCSE and A level students in their studies (e.g. EPQ or any project-based work the KS4 students do). Possibly about behaviour management, if there are a lot of students working in the library. The SEN and Pupil Premium support people may be based in the library. You may need to liaise with them. I think my top tip, having written that, is to gen up on the various acronyms so you know what they're talking about! I found that a challenge when I changed career into teaching. What sort of school is it?

Pointlessfan · 09/05/2015 07:45

I'm a teacher not a librarian but I mostly enjoy working in a secondary school. It can be challenging but every day is different and it's never boring. It depends on the school but most of the kids are actually lovely and I know many of ours go to the school library for a chat with the librarian! She is wonderful and organises events for World Book Day, gathers resources for particular topics we are teaching, runs paired reading and all sorts of other things. Good luck with your interview.

honeysucklejasmine · 09/05/2015 07:46

You may also be expected to lead "library lessons" where you support the use of the library to young pupils or help them research their history project or whatever.

You'll get some lovely kids too, as a library is often a bit of a haven for those with social difficulties, or those who prefer a quieter location.

Original poster

GingerPuddin · 09/05/2015 07:52

Thanks for the replies!
It's an academy. I can't find any info about the library on their website but honestly their website is very difficult to navigate. I've worked in academic libraries so I'm used to telling students off (nicely usually). Plus with Ds I've developed my Mother voice .
I'll have a look at acronyms. Is there somewhere I can see a national curriculum to get a feel for what they will be studying?
The school isn't in the best area but not the worst either. They were rated good by ofsted.

OP posts:

Phineyj · 09/05/2015 07:58

www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/key-stage-3-and-4 here you go. Academies don't have to follow it though.

noblegiraffe · 09/05/2015 09:45

Our librarian creates fantastic displays in the library to encourage the kids to read, and leads book clubs and so on. She promotes the library as well as simply running it.

Boys' literacy is an especially big problem in secondary schools (they are very behind girls in gcse English pass rates) so they would be interested in any ideas you have to get boys using the library and reading.

Mostlyjustaluker · 09/05/2015 10:27

I think they will be looking for you to encourage a love of books and greater use of library eg book clubs, competitions etc.

Phineyj · 09/05/2015 14:23

Lots of useful resources online.
www.literacytrust.org.uk/assets/0000/5718/School_Libraries_A_Plan_for_Improvement.pdf

LizzieVereker · 09/05/2015 18:39

Several schools I've worked use the library/ LRC to host book clubs etc. A popular activity is shadowing the Carnegie book awards, you could suggest how you'd run it, or suggest introducing it if they're not doing it already:

www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/shadowingsite/

Original poster

GingerPuddin · 09/05/2015 18:41

Thanks all! I have things to think about with regards to the job. I think I'll have to try and get a feel for the school and find out more about the job at the interview.

OP posts:

Brookville · 12/05/2015 20:16

Our Library has done great work with the Accelerated Reader programme. Might be worth looking at. In terms of your quality of life at school, I think you will probably like the children especially those who view the Library as respite/refuge but it can get madly busy and cramped and overdue books is a big issue. It would not be a calm career move imho!

Flip