Clifton College offers a stimulating and challenging curriculum, which combines traditional methods with programmes of study relevant to the needs of the next century.
We aim to provide the highest possible standard of education, and to help pupils develop the key skills of literacy and numeracy, as well as observation, information-seeking, posing questions and problem-solving. In addition, we aim to develop their ability to co-operate and work productively with others, as well as to work and learn independently.
The Preparatory School Library
The Prep School Library is often described as the ‘beating heart of the school’. It is centrally located in the main building and houses a huge collection of fiction, non-fiction, comics, DVDs and other resources for everyone to share. Every class in the school has a dedicated Library Lesson once a week but the Library is open at every break and lunchtime for independent use.
The Library supports both the formal and informal curriculum, providing topic boxes for teachers, a wide range of modern non-fiction titles for research and books to encourage and inform the wide range of personal interests and hobbies enjoyed by our pupils. We are advocates for the importance of ‘Reading for Pleasure’ and aim to find a book for every reader regardless of how niche their reading habits are!
Throughout the year, the Prep Library celebrates important community events e.g. Christmas, Hanukkah, Lunar New Year, Easter, Black History Month and Pride Month. Our wide ranging programme of visiting authors, poets and illustrators also promotes a rich reading culture. The Librarian is an active member of both the cross-College EDIB Committee and the Teaching & Learning Committee.
The Prep Library has a strong pastoral role within the school. The Librarian attends pastoral meetings and the Library is seen as a neutral, common space for all, outside of the Houses, classes or year groups. The team of Year 7 & 8 Pupil Librarians lead the suggestions for competitions, displays and Library initiatives and everyone is encouraged to suggest new resources.
