School Library
Our library is a much used and valuable resource. It is at the heart of our school. A place where students can come before school, break and lunchtimes and after school, to read, use laptops for homework and research or access our student apps.
It is a warm and welcoming environment where pupils say they feel safe and valued. Students can also get their DG Logins and any other platform detail log-ins, from Ms Walker.
ACCESSIT LIBRARY DATABASE: We have a library database called ACCESSIT and students can sign into this and view the titles that are in the library and reserve books, keep track of any overdue books, create book wish lists and post book reviews.
LIBRARY LESSONS: In year 7 & 8 all English classes come to the library once every 2 weeks and have a library lesson with their English teacher in attendance. Within that lesson, they do a number of different things such as read independently, borrow and return books, sometimes they get read to by their teacher and there are also other activities. Ms Walker is there to support and deal with book borrowing and returns and book suggestions.
BEDROCK LEARNING: We have recently started using Bedrock Learning as part of our library lessons. This is what the company has to say about their product - Reading, writing and language is the bedrock of all learning. This platform is committed to joining the dots between reading, writing, subject knowledge and pedagogy, so that students can tackle the curriculum with confidence. Because learning without barriers creates futures without limits. Bedrock Learning has been built by teachers who understand the demands of the classroom and are passionate about improving outcomes and making teachers' lives easier. Our first-hand teaching experience and educational expertise underpin everything we do.
How It Works
- Initial Assessment: Students begin with a diagnostic Alpha Test to place them at the appropriate level, known as a "block".
- Personalized Learning Journey: The algorithm adapts to each student’s pace, with content becoming more challenging as they master new words (typically covering one block per year).
- The "Assess-Teach-Reteach" Cycle: Lessons start with a pre-test, move through interactive content (including human-narrated fiction/non-fiction texts), and end with a post-test. Words missed are re-taught later via a spaced repetition algorithm to ensure long-term retention.
- Mastery Approach: Learners are encouraged to reach 80% mastery before moving on, focusing on depth of learning rather than speed.
- Weekly Goals: Students are generally expected to complete 20 points per week (roughly two lessons), Part of this will be done either in their library lesson or in an English lesson. The remainder should be done at home.
DEPTFORD GREEN LIBRARY LEADERS: In the library Ms Walker is privileged to have an amazing team of Library Leaders from all cohorts working with her and their contribution to the library is invaluable. Leaders vary all the time for various reasons, but they are always appreciated and valued as excellent members of the Deptford Green School Student Leadership team.
RECOMMENDED READING: There is a series of Recommended Reading lists for each year group in online form and we have also included them here for you to access with links to Goodreads telling you more about each title. We hope you will find them useful. They include a range of titles and genres for all abilities within each year group. If a student doesn’t know if the title is the right one for them, they should ask their teachers for help or or Ms Walker and they will try to guide you students in finding their NEXT GREAT READ!
LIBRARY 401: There is also a ‘floating’ library in Room 401 where students who don’t engage with the library or enjoy visiting in their time outside of lessons, can still borrow quality texts especially selected by Ms Player and Ms Walker that cover a wide range of genres and reading interest. Click HERE for the 401 Library. These titles can be requested through your English teacher.
OTHER LINKS: In addition, The Book Trust is a fantastic website for pupils and parents alike and an excellent partner for schools and you will find a link to their website here. Their website offers up to date information and reviews on a huge range of books and authors for young people and gives our students the opportunity to access the very latest titles and search by genre. Again we are grateful to the Book Trust for allowing us to use their link.
We also highly value The official 2026 Read for Empathy collection, curated by EmpathyLab which features 65 expertly selected books for ages 3–16+ designed to build understanding and connection. Empathy Lab Recommended Reading Titles click here https://empathylab.uk/rfe-2026-collection/
An addition to the library is also a RESOURCE LINK LIBRARY designed to host links to support our students learning and to help parents who want to support their children in turn. Click HERE for the link.
Finally, at Deptford Green we offer a wide range of Reading initiatives.
- FREE BookBuzz books given to all year 7's in their first term at Deptford Green (through BookTrust) This happened just before Christmas, so they all had a book as a Christmas Present from Deptford Green!
- Year 7 & 8 have regular library lessons as part of the English Curriculum
- Bedrock Reading Programme utilised in lessons to continuously monitor reading ages and strengthen reading, grammar and literacy skills.
- Interventions in place within the English Timetable - thanks to our amazing English Team & SEND department
- Reading Intervention for selected Year 7 pupils with Year 9 & 10 Reading Mentors once a week - building reading skills, confidence & relationships
- Carnegie Shadowing Scheme from March to June – selected readers
- Regular quizzes, competitions and challenges
- Visiting Authors enlisted where possible