The Berlie Doherty Learning and Resource Centre

Our school library is open to students throughout the school day and after school until 5pm.  Students have library lessons in year 7 and year 8 fortnightly with their English teacher. Students can loan resources, use computers, undertake silent study and receive study support in the library. 

The library is managed by our full time librarian Mrs McDonald and our part-time librarian Mrs Douglas. 

You can follow the library on Twitter via @FcjUpton 

Berlie Doherty

Our library is named after award-winning children’s author and former pupil of Upton Hall School, Berlie Doherty. She has written over 60 books and has won many awards, including the Carnegie medal for both Granny Was a Buffer Girl and Dear Nobody. The author has visited our school library to open her namesake and deliver creative writing workshops. 

Berlie is pictured below at Upton Hall School: second from the left on the back row.

Library Lessons

Students in years 7 & 8 have a library lesson each fortnight with their English teacher and Mrs McDonald. Students in year 9 have a library lesson each half-term. Library lessons are designed to help students choose books to read for pleasure and help students to build a reading community. Students play intensive reading games, host class book tastings, pitch books to other students, explore genre and track their reading in these lessons. Reading engagement and excellent effort are rewarded throughout the year with reading house points. At the end of each school year the reading house cup is awarded to the house with the most points. Students who have contributed the most points to their house are also presented with outstanding reader certificates.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wirral Schools Book Awards

Each year our school takes part in the Wirral Schools Book Awards. Secondary schools across the Wirral have the chance to nominate titles for the awards. Our book group then shadows the awards, reading the shortlist of books as well as attending two author days with shortlisted authors. The books shortlisted this year are pictured below. If you would like to be involved in the book group or review a book on the shortlist speak to Mrs McDonald.  Click here to learn more about the 2021/22 shortlist. 

Ada Lovelace Discussion Group

As part of Upton Hall School's Ada Lovelace scheme, the library hosts an Ada Lovelace discussion group each half term. Students in Key Stage 4 & 5 are invited to discuss key current issues and journals in their areas of study. 

Library Assistants

Mrs McDonald and Mrs Douglas are assisted in the library by a team of Library Assistants. These pupils help others to use the library, issue and return resources, process new books and help to promote reading for pleasure.

If you would like to be a library assistant download and complete the application form below in related documents and return it to Mrs McDonald in the library. 

Recommended Reads

The recommended reads lists are tailored for each year group to introduce students to books to read for pleasure. Lists include addictive reads, featured books, quick reads, future classics and classics. Click here to see the recommended reads lists. 

Wider Reading Lists

We have been working with subject leaders across the school to create wider reading lists for students. These provide a list of texts that students can read to broaden their studies. Books are available in the library and the lists are provided below in 'Related Documents'. Click  here to see the wider reading lists. 

Preparation for University Reading Lists

All of the resources listed on our preparation for university readings lists can be accessed for free from home. These lists provide links to texts that will support your understanding of your chosen topic of study. 

If you would like a reading list for a course not listed please speak with Miss Pearson who can create one for you.  The reading lists are provided below in 'Related Documents'. Click here to see the preparation for university reading lists.