In the Lower School the information skills programme is delivered as a timetabled part of PSHE, and employs research themes which are part of the PSHE syllabus for the year group.
Year 7
2 lessons in the Michaelmas Term.
Lesson 1: takes place on Induction Day at the beginning of term. It introduces the boys to the layout of the library and gives them the opportunity to borrow a number of items.
Lesson 2: ensures that boys know how to access the library catalogue; change their password and preferences; view their borrower record and carry out simple simple searches using author, title and keywords.
This is followed by 4 lessons in the Lent Term to develop skills of note taking (including the use of bullet points), writing a paragraph following research and the ability to find information from a book. The course takes the theme of Conservation (to develop an awareness of organisations which work to protect and conserve the environment on behalf of the public and to know about and appreciate the work of the World Wide Fund for Nature).
Year 8
The Lower School Librarians teach a five lesson programme on information and research skills based on a PSHE project about smoking and alcohol abuse.
The aim of the project is to produce an illustrated piece of work, using library resources, about the issues of smoking and alcohol abuse.
Lesson 1: This lesson shows the importance of planning research and how to evaluate information. It introduces the boys to the PLUS model (Purpose, Location, Use and Self-evaluation), which gives a structure to approaching any assignment. It also introduces the importance of compiling a bibliography and how to avoid plagiarism. A brain-storming and concept-mapping exercise takes place which enables boys to focus on the issues of smoking and alcohol abuse.
Lesson 2: Gives boys a hands-on chance to see information contained in a number of printed resources, including reference books and non-fiction. Attention is given to the type of information which can be found in them, how they are organised and how to extract information. It also demonstrates how to access the library catalogue and using appropriate keywords to locate the resources.
Lesson 3: This lesson takes place in the IT lab and boys have an opportunity to access some of the websites listed on the Library Catalogue and the Libraries Web Portal. There is also an introduction to the online subscription databases.
Lesson 4: This lesson gives the boys an opportunity to continue with their project.
Lesson 5: Boys can finish their project and will complete a self-evaluation exercise.
Page last updated 14/10/08 PJF