Our Independent Learning Centre, known by the students as the ILC, is a welcoming space for private or group study, for classes, or for students to simply relax with a good book. It houses a multitude of resources to support learning across the curriculum, and our knowledgeable Librarian frequently collaborates with subject teachers on research projects for various topics and provides resources for class activities as and when needed.
There’s a wide range of fiction and non-fiction works, as well as specific sections for Careers, Foreign Language fiction, Biographies, magazines/journals both in paper and digital formats and subscription databases which enable students to access up-to-date reliable and relevant information at the point of need. Furthermore, if a certain book isn’t available, students can order online from local Kent County Council Libraries. Our Librarian has ensured this facility is available to increase the variety of books available, and to make sure that book clubs have enough copies to cater for everyone.
One of the ILC’s key aims is to encourage and promote literacy, and to foster a love of reading. Several extra-curricular clubs are based in the ILC, including the Staff & Sixth Form Book Club, The Southern Schools’ Book Awards Book Club, and the Carnegie Shadowing Club.
There are often events, such as non-uniform days, competitions and activities, organised to celebrate dates such as World Book Day and Roald Dahl’s birthday. Students are also encouraged to take part in Readathon challenges.
Working closely with the English Department, author visits are frequently held in the ILC, with award-winning authors such as Frances Hardinge, Nicky Singer, Christopher Edge, and Cobham Hall Elder Griselda Heppel. Such visits often include a creative writing workshop for Lower School pupils, and these are always incredibly popular and very engaging.
