Ravensbourne School Libraries

2012-01-10T09:10:00.002Z

Recent Word of the Week Winners
War Memorial Library :

Necromancy
Noun
Communication with the spirits of the dead in order to predict the future. Sorcery. Black magic.
chosen by Danielle Crump (12JO)

Anomie
Noun
Lack of social or moral standards or values in an individual or society. Loss of a sense of what it is to be normal.
chosen by Nabila Wright (13AP)

Serendipity
Noun
The ability or habit of making pleasant or interesting discoveries by accident.
chosen by Mr. Case (English Department)

Septenviguple
Noun/adjective/verb
The term for multiples of 27 i.e. 27 times something. Used in the game of Scrabble.
chosen by Mr. Fordham (Student Leadership Coordinator)

Discovery Library :
Lebensraum
Noun
A territory claimed by a nation or state because it is necessary for survival or growth.
chosen by William Breslin (8BM)

Neophyte
Noun
A person newly converted to a religion.
chosen by Jordan Smith (7CZ)

Stygian
Adjective
Gloomy or Hellish.
chosen by Noah Thompson (8LO)

Christmas
Noun
Annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ when Christians give presents to each other.
chosen by Peter Ralph (7CT)

The War Memorial

2011-12-12T08:38:00.000Z

The school war memorial, dedicated to students and staff who gave their lives in WWI and WWII, is situated in the KS4/5 Library; known as the War Memorial Library. The war memorial is important to the life of the school and we mention it often. Aware that, since the War Memorial Library is for the use of KS4 and 5 students and staff only, our KS3 students do not get to see the war memorial, Mrs. Price and Ms. Crozier liaised with Library staff and arranged a timetable of visits for our KS3 students during Form Time this term.

The students had a short talk from Ms. Roberts regarding the war memorial and its significance to the school and students were then able to take a look at the memorial and associated certificates giving details of the war graves.

The behaviour and respect of the students who visited was exemplary. Students were also given the opportunity to ask questions related to the war memorial. A great many considered and intelligent questions were asked which showed the students’ understanding of the significance of their visit.

2011-11-28T08:58:00.000Z

How ready are you to take a risk?

Borrow a mystery ‘Take A Risk Book’,fill in the short questionnaire and you will
automatically win a prize,

AND

have your name entered into a free prize draw with the chance to win more prizes,

PLUS spot prizes to be won.

See a Librarian in the

Discovery Library for details.

2011-11-14T12:50:00.001Z

Recent Word of the Week Winners

War Memorial Library :

MIASMA
Noun
An unwholesome or menacing atmosphere. Pollution in the atmosphere, especially noxious vapours from decomposing organic matter.
chosen by Mrs. Dowse (Reprographics)
SECULARISATION
Noun
The activity of changing something (art/education/society or morality) so it is no longer under the control or influence of religion.
chosen by Ashlee Whittingham (13WH)

Discovery Library :
ANACHRONISM
NounWhen you speak of or talk about something that does not exist or has not been invented.
chosen by Victor Reynolds (9TH)

PERSPECTIVE
Noun
A technique used by artists to give a picture the illusion of distance. Way of regarding situations or facts and judging their relative importance.
chosen by Daniel Smith (7BP)

2011-10-17T13:58:00.000+01:00

Booked Up was launched in 2007, inspired by the Bookstart and Booktime programmes, which give free book packs to babies and reception-aged children respectively. During the first four years of the programme, Booked Up has given a free book to over 2.5 million children in England.
Booked Up is generously supported by children’s book publishers and funded by the Department for Education (DfE).

The programme is run by Booktrust, an independent charity dedicated to encouraging people of all ages and cultures to engage with books. Visit the Booktrust website to find out more.
Booked Up’s goal is to encourage reading for pleasure and independent choice. Year 7 students choose their free book from a list of specially selected titles.

Once again, the Librarians registered TRS and organized the selection and ordering of the books. We hope the Year 7s enjoy their selection. If you like the look of any of the Booked Up books, copies of all the titles are held in the Discovery Library for borrowing.

http://www.bookedup.org.uk/

2011-10-10T12:36:00.001+01:00

Word of the Week Winners
War Memorial Library :
DILAPIDATED
Adjective
Falling to pieces: in a state of disrepair: shabby.
chosen by Jonah Haffner (12KE)
Discovery Library :
HYPOCHONDRIAC
Noun
Someone who often claims to be ill when ailments may be imaginary.
chosen by Lewis Faturoti (9TH)

2011-10-04T11:50:00.001+01:00

Recent Word of the Week Winners

War Memorial Library :

SUBVERSIVE
Noun (can also be used as an adjective)
A person who seeks to overthrow as government or legally constituted institution, usually by force or violence.
chosen by Mr. Merrony (English Department)

VERISIMILITUDE
Noun
Something that has the appearance of being true or real.
chosen by Maisie Jones (10BY)

Discovery Library :

ENTHUSIASM
Noun
A strong liking or interest in. Eagerness
chosen by Jasmine Silk (9BC)

YARDSTICK
Noun
Standard against which to judge other people or things.
chosen by Connor Else (7SH)

WORD OF THE WEEK

2011-09-20T14:07:00.000+01:00

Word of the Week
Discovery Library
SUMPTUOUS
Adjective
Superbly rich and luxurious
chosen by William Breslin (9BM)

War Memorial LIbrary
DISSEMINATE
Verb
To distribute or scatter
chosen by Monique Jafarpouran (10BE)

Tesco and Sainsbury's Vouchers

2011-07-19T14:29:00.000+01:00

A BIG thank you to everyone who handed in their vouchers.
They have all been sent off now and we await delivery of all the items we have been able to exchange them for.

Take a Risk

2011-06-24T11:09:00.000+01:00

Take a Risk

By popular demand the Discovery Library staff ran ‘Take a Risk’ again in May this year. For those of you who don’t know what this is, here is a short explanation:

We wrap up books in brown paper and string and the students take a risk because they don’t know what they are borrowing. In return for taking a risk, if the students fill out a short questionnaire on the book, they automatically win a prize AND their name goes into a free prize draw with the chance of winning more prizes. There are also spot prize cards in some books.

This year around 100 students participated with 85 questionnaire being completed and prizes claimed. We also gave out 25 spot prizes. Congratulations to Chloe O’Brien in 8 BM who won the free prize draw, Albert Bugden in 8 BM who won second prize and Lena Koca in 7ML who won third prize.

Since ‘Take a Risk’ was so popular we hope to run it again at Christmas so watch out for it.

TESCO TOKENS

2011-05-20T13:05:00.000+01:00

Please remember that we are collecting TESCO tokens.

They are no longer being given out, but we need them handed

in to either Library or placed in the box at Reception so that we can count them ready to send off

Take a Risk is back

2011-04-26T13:56:00.001+01:00

Take a Risk is back in the Discovery Library by popular demand. For those who don’t know what Take a Risk is, we wrap up books for the students to borrow and they are taking a risk because they don’t know what they are borrowing. In return for taking a risk, if the students fill out a short questionnaire on the book, they automatically win a prize AND their name goes into a free prize draw with the chance of winning more prizes. There are also spot prize cards in some books.

Twitter

2011-04-08T10:17:00.001+01:00

We have now opened a Twitter account for all those TRS pupils who want to share their book reviews.
Please contact a member of the Library staff for details if you want to join in.

www.twitter.com/RavensbourneRev or click on the Twitter icon on the right hand side.

TUITION FEES

2011-04-04T14:52:00.001+01:00

Keeping up-to-date with fees charged by universities

There is a regularly updated datablog run by the Guardian newspaper which records all the fees being charged by universities. The site also contains a map showing all the evidence to date and the latest comments from universities yet to announce their plans.

From what I understand the site will continue to be updated for some months to come, until such time as all universities have declared their position.

The site is at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2011/mar/25/higher-education-universityfunding?&EMCEDUEML1658

2011-04-04T09:14:00.001+01:00

WORD OF THE WEEK
We have now been choosing a Word of the Week for 3 years.
Here are the words that have been chosen in the War Memorial Library:

plagiarism imbibe daimonic persistence
separation confuddled oxymoron optimism
hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia onomatopoeia
Zoroastrianism ubuntu skedaddle procrastinate
skulduggery pontificate haiku infinitesimal
narthex tercentenary pusillanimous aesthetic
sepulchral boondoggle succinct discombobulate
Machiavellian abstemious ostensibly fanfaronade
defenestration verisimilitude flibbertigibbet kerosene
panacea exemplary subliminal invigorate desolation
rhapsodomancy cathartic aiguillette peripatetic
xanthippe omphaloskepsis endorphin ridiculous
recalcitrant paracrostic serendipity purloin
gaunt comprehensible ombudsman obstreperous
mercurial contortionist deipnosophist innuendo prodigy
reticence laurel tintinnabulation exacerbate
pulchritudinous bigot cinephilia tempestuous
koniosis envisage loquacious apprehensive
erroneously enigma idiosyncrasy triskaidekaphobia
confuffled monotonous faux pas bilious
daguerreotype volition bathophobia hubbub
antagonising attribute epicycloid kudos
interpretation

If you have a favourite or unusual word please put your entry in the box.

Word of the Week winners

2011-04-04T09:06:00.002+01:00

Discovery Library :

Mediocre
Adjective :
Of only ordinary or moderate quality; neither good nor bad; barely adequate.
chosen by Elizabeth Smith (8TH)

Pipistrelle
Noun
A type of small brownish bat found throughout the world.
chosen by Charlie Cornwell (8TH)

TOKENS

2011-03-28T10:49:00.000+01:00

Please remember that we are collecting the following tokens:
Sainsburys

Tesco

Nestle

They can be handed in to either Library or placed in the box at Reception

2011-03-15T14:43:00.001Z

Word of the Week winners
War Memorial Library :

Interpretation
Noun Someone’s opinion or their point of view of what something means. An explanation of something that is not immediately obvious.
Chosen by Ayesha Hall (10GR)

Discovery Library :

Engulf
Verb To plunge, bury or swallow up. To overwhelm.
Chosen by Frankie Palmer (7MT)

2011-03-11T11:40:00.001Z

Recent Word of the Week Winners

War Memorial Library :
Attribute
Noun A Quality or feature representative of a person or object
Chosen by Ben Jones(13PL)
Epicycloid
Noun The curve described by a point on the circumference of a circle as the circle rolls on the outside of the circumference of a second fixed circle.
Chosen by Dean Welch (13RF)
Kudos
Noun Credit or praise for exceptional achievement. Glory. Fame
Chosen by Ben Jones (13PL)

Discovery Library :
Theist
Noun One who believes in the existence of a god or gods
Chosen by Coran Fielding (7WR)
Dugong
Noun A herbivorous marine mammal (Dugong dugon), native to tropical coastal waters of the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and southwest Pacific Ocean and having flipperlike forelimbs and a deeply notched tail fin.
Chosen by Philippa Brett 8GO
Flabbergasted
Adjective Shocked about something
Chosen by Poppie Bryce (7LO)
Soporific
Adjective Sleep inducing. e.g. That boring film was soporific
Chosen by Luke Blanchard (8TN)

7r1 Performance Poetry

2011-02-18T11:31:00.000Z

During two visits to the Discovery Library 7r1 chose poems from the Library collection to perform to the class. The students had to think not only about the poem they were going to perform but also about how to use linguistic techniques such as intonation, pitch, modulation, inflection, tone, stress and emphasis rather than simply acting.

School Libraries - A Right

2011-02-18T11:15:00.000Z

The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) recently issued this statement about School Libraries:

School Libraries – A Right

We believe that throughout their education every child is entitled to:

• Support from designated library staff with extensive knowledge, enthusiasm and experience to advise, encourage and inspire wider reading and reading for pleasure to ensure fair provision for all

• A skilled library practitioner with responsibility and time to help children and young people develop the skills needed to manage today’s information overload, to become lifelong learners and to meet the future job market’s need for problem solvers and independent thinkers

• A safe and secure library environment for learning during and outside school hours, where help, resources and advice are freely available to all

• High quality and wide-ranging library and classroom resources to support their curriculum which have been carefully selected to meet the needs of their age, learning style and ability and organised to provide easy access and availability

• Be valued as an individual, having access to reading materials which are exploited by a knowledgeable person to support the emotional, cultural, leisure and wider needs of the whole person

We believe that every school’s teaching team is entitled to:

A designated library professional who:

• understands the curriculum and pastoral needs of teaching staff and who will support these with managed resources

• will collaborate with staff on curriculum planning and development and be involved in teaching

• will develop partnership working with other key organisations within and beyond the school

We believe that the wider school community is entitled to:

A designated library professional who can play a key role in developing the school as a hub of the community by:

• Building links with the public library service to support children’s learning outside the classroom

• Helping parents and carers to develop an understanding about how their children’s learning is enhanced through access to a range of library resources and advising them about how to access and use these resources with their children

• Ensuring they are equipped with an understanding of the digital literacy strategies needed to educate their children in the safe and ethical use of the internet

February 2011

Further Reading: IFLA/UNESCO School Library Manifesto: the school library in teaching and learning for all. 1999.
http://archive.ifla.org/VII/s11/pubs/manifest.htm UNICEF Convention on the Rights of the Child.1989
http://www.unicef.org/crc/ School Library Association Primary School Library Charter 2010
http://www.sla.org.uk/primary-charter.php

2011-01-31T09:57:00.003Z

Recent Word of the Week Winners

War Memorial Library :
Volition chosen by Mr. Al-Rifai (ICT)
Noun
The act or an instance of making a conscious choice or decision
Bathophobia chosen by Mr. Shaw (Technology)
Noun
An abnormal and persistent fear of depths.

Hubbub chosen by Ben Jones 13PL
Noun
A confused sound of many voices
Uproar
Antagonising chosen by Rebecca Birks (13MW)
Verb
Intentionally annoying or winding someone up to get a reaction

Discovery Library :
Perturb chosen by Ellie Ousby (9CZ)
Verb
To disturb the composure of.

Lumberjack chosen by Conor Betts (8BM)
Noun
A person whose job is to cut or carry timber.

Brobdingnagian chosen by Oliver Woodland 9HR
Adjective
Gigantic and enormous

2010-12-03T12:36:00.000Z

Recent Words of the Week

War Memorial Library :

Faux Pas

Noun

A socially embarrassing mistake or action. A social blunder.

chosen by Loren Wright (13BA)

Bilious

Adjective

Suffering from a liver disorder : Bad-tempered : Extremely distasteful, nauseating (especially of colour).

chosen by Ben Jones (13PL)

Discovery Library :

Gargantuan

Adjective

Massive or gigantic object or person.

chosen by Luke Morel (9CS)

Theanthropism

Adjective

Attribution of human traits to God.

chosen by Rebecca Bardsley-Ball (7ML)

2010-11-09T12:08:00.001Z

Recent Word of the Week Winners
War Memorial Library :

Enigma      chosen by Robert Beckford (12RW)

Noun

A puzzling moral situation that is ambiguous or inexplicable

Idiosyncrasy     chosen by Jemima Gibson (10LG)

Noun

A way of behaving distinctive of a particular person or group : A Mannerism or quirk.

Discombobulated     chosen by Georgia Langridge (10CH)

Adjective

Having your composure disturbed, thrown into confusion.

Triskaidekaphobia   chosen by Jake Fleckney (13MW)

Noun

An abnormal fear of the number 13.

Confuffled   chosen by Rebecca Birks (13MW)

Adjective

In a state of extreme confusion, especially when unable to solve a frustrating problem.

Monotonous   chosen by Hassan Elgaddal (10RU)

Adjective

Boring, dull and tedious, repetitious.

Discovery Library:

Entomology   chosen by William Breslin (8BM)

Noun

The study of insects.

Spiflicate or Spifflicate   chosen by Adam Manston (7LO)

Verb

To destroy; to quell; to confound; to handle roughly.

Arachibutyrophobia   chosen by Isobel Frost (9DR)

Noun

The fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth.

Opthalmology chosen by Brandon Flanagan (8GU)

Noun

The branch of medicine dealing with structure, functions and diseased of the eye.

Census   chosen by India Lindsay (7PR)

Noun

An official enumeration (counting) of inhabitants with statistics relating to them.

Bhagavd Gita    chosen by James Hough (9MZ)

Noun

The ‘Song of the Lord’, also known as Gita, is a sacred Hindu scripture, considered among the most important texts in the history of literature and philosophy.

New RIF research on access to print materials

2010-09-28T15:02:00.002+01:00

New RIF research shows access to print materials

"Improves children's reading performance. Studies suggest that providing children with print materials helps children read better. Among the studies reviewed, kindergarten students showed the biggest increase in reading performance.

Are instrumental in helping children learn the basics of reading. Providing children with reading materials allowed them to develop basic reading skills such as letter and word identification, phonemic awareness, and completion of sentences.

Causes children to read more and for longer lengths of time. Giving children print materials led to more shared reading between parents and children. Children who received books also read more frequently and for longer periods of time.

Produces improved attitudes toward reading and learning among children. Children with greater access to books and other print materials-whether through borrowing books or through receiving books to own-expressed more enjoyment of books, reading, and academics. "

From RIF press release http://www.rif.org/us/about/press/%20new-research-shows-access-to-print-materials-improves-childrens-reading.htm

Sainsburys Active Kids

2010-09-28T10:49:00.001+01:00

A BIG thank you to everyone who sent in their Active Kids vouchers last term.

Our final total was just under 20,000 tokens.

The equipment we ordered has nearly all arrived now, and the pupils will be benefitting from having an adjustable situp board ; medicine balls ; various weight kettlebells ; cheerleading kit ; shuttlecocks; rounders balls; stopwatches and other items.

2010-09-28T09:57:00.001+01:00

Booked Up is a national programme run by Booktrust and supported by the Department for Education.

Booktrust is an independent charity with the goal of encouraging and supporting reading for pleasure. The Booktrust provide each Year 7 pupil in registered schools in England with a free ‘Booked Up’ book from a list of 12 specially selected titles. The Librarians register TRS and organize the selection and ordering of the books. . We hope the Year 7s enjoy their selection. If you like the look of any of the Booked Up books, copies of all the titles are held in the Discovery Library for borrowing.

http://www.bookedup.org.uk/

Reading Lists

2010-09-24T12:07:00.000+01:00

Looking for something different to read ?

Have a look at this website for ideas :

http://www.everyonesreading.org.uk/booklist.php

Word of the Week Competition

2010-09-21T09:31:00.000+01:00

We will be carrying on with our popular Word of the Week competition in both Libraries this year. If you have a word that you want to share with everyone, please ask for an entry form in either of the Libraries.

Recent Word of the Week Winners
War Memorial Library :

Apprehensive chosen by Basak Kaynak (10CA)

Adjective

Fearful or anxious about the future. Uneasy. Quick to understand

Erroneously chosen by Ben Jones (13PL)

Adverb

In a mistaken manner. Incorrectly.

Discovery Library :

Maladroit chosen by Monique Jafapouran (9DR)
Adjective
Clumsy, awkward or tactless.
abnormal condition, existing at birth.

Zephyr chosen by Maisie Jones (9BP)
Noun

A soft gentle breeze.

ADISA

2010-06-14T09:51:00.020+01:00

Adisa, a rap poet, came to TRS in May to work with two groups of Year 9 students. Adisa’s approach is very particular, so it is best to let Adisa speak for himself:
“My emphasis is less on the teaching of poetry and more on what poetry has to teach us. Poetry can be used to increase young peoples understanding and awareness of the world, increasing their quality of life and in turn the quality of their contribution to society. The individual using the artistic expression of poetry whether five or sixty five, who writes or speaks about the details of everyday living and shapes them by matching sound and sense will develop a strong sense of self. After all, words are tools used to externalise experience.
When we get children looking for relationships and correspondences, evolving similes and metaphors, what we are really doing is helping to exercise and develop that faculty of the imagination on which artistic, scientific and technical progress depend. Surely this is what education is all about?”
And now let the students speak for themselves:

Adisa suggested the students write a poem about the place they think of as home using personification and metaphor. The students began thinking of the place they think of as home and then creating a spider diagram. They had to think of metaphors for their chosen place represented by an animal; music; transport; food; nature; a precious stone or metal; a building. The students then wove these metaphors into a poem.

Home

The man stands like a detached house

proud standing over his cubs.

My Home
She is a traditional roast dinner

Safe and calm
A middle aged female she strides like an elephant
An elephant that never rushes
She is like a tree that is strong and sturdy
My Mum
She is a koala bear
That nurtures her young
She is a bright coloured flower
That stands out from the rest
She is life.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is beautiful and like a diamond cannot be broken
In her fierce eyes I can see the suffering
She is like a mother
She shelters her people
She is independent like a cottage.

Advice

Stop looking for what you ain’t got
And appreciate what you have now.
My Road
She’s sometimes loud
But sometimes quiet
She likes to dance around
She’s spicy but fresh
She’s fast like a Ferrari
She is like a big eye
She looks out for everyone
She’s like a ruby because
She is one in a million
She’s like a sheep dog
Looks after everyone
Comforts them.

Lewisham

Lewisham, Lewisham, Lewisham
What a person it could be
Sometimes rude, sometimes nice to me
Lewisham can be poor
but it still has enough money to get me chicken and chips from the store
Lewisham likes to take me to its house
Blast music, let the neighbours know he is about.

Home

Our conversations at the dinner table come together like waterfalls
The atmosphere is like an R ‘n’ B tape
Chilled and fast

Ireland

Her eyes twinkle like rubies in
The heather green fields
Marmite smears the view
History spoils the dew
IRA splattered on the walls
Classical music floods the halls
Families join together
And hopefully it will be forever.

Florida

Her arms are palm trees that provide me with shadeUnderneath her skin I see the sun.

Bromley Valley Gymnastics Centre

Her training fiery and intense like a chilli
Leotard glittering like diamonds
Flipping in time to a classical beat
Like a dolphin in the warm heat

Hawaii

Mother Nature sprouts like a rose
Her beautiful ruby skin
Makes you feel like a sauna
A peacock making its mark
Spreading its wonderous feathers with strength
Watermelon juice slowly trickles down
The mouth of the seas
Ocean sounds all around
Soothing the youth of the Island.

Winchelsea Beach

Classical music flows out
Of her bungalow windows
Her deer like nature make
Her timid and calm
Her pearly pale skin tans
Softly in the golden sun
Here they come, the loud ones
To trample har and squash her
They pollute the air and
Litter the ground
Then off they go at the end of the day.

Spain

As she wait
Her sapphire eyes gleaming in the sun
Leaning out of her convertible car
Hearing the sound of the wind blowing against her face
Her clothing as bright as tropical fish
Swimming in her sea
Without the sea there are no fish.

My House

Pop music blaring out her bedroom window
Her wealthy friends and family are here to play
Flowers glowing as I walk down her front path
The smell of her mothers cooking makes me feel hungry
As she take is out of the boiling oven
Her golden jewels
Flashing back off her shiny skin.

California

Her golden skin
Glistening in the sun
Her tall, long legs as tall as a sky scraper
Waling proud like a lion
Listening to up beat, quick pop music.

Adisa suggested that we are made up of three things – our voice, our power and our dreams. The students then decided what those three things represented for them. They then wrote a poem combining the three elements.

Adisa, having performed his ‘Auntie Pearl’ poem which uses lots of metaphor, suggested the students write a poem about their favourite kind of music using lots of metaphor. The students were asked to find a metaphor for the vocals, the lyrics, the melody and two instruments. They then wove these metaphors into a poem. He then asked them to think of what freedom was to them and place this anywhere in their poem.

My voice speaks the words
Which make me gain power
My dreams can happen

I shade under the waterfall lyrics
As the flower melody opens up
Trying to compete against the rose vocals
Freedom is a journey with no destination
A tornado piano is expected
By ignored by a sunny flute

My dreams inspire me
To build up my power
That lets out my voice

The trees sway to the wonderful lyrics
As a velvet melody overlaps
Freedom is a never ending boat journey
That connects with the smooth vocal
An electric piano make the flowers sing
Mixes with a lively guitar
A free guitar with no strings

My voice is power
My power is achievements
My achievements are dreams

Friends are my support
Fashion dictates who I am
Sunday is a free day

My tap shoes dance through the tune of the keyboard
I am riding the waves through the base
The football fans spell out the drum beat
The seismograph plays out the up and down movement of the tone
I am on the run with all my power and heart
Music is a map with no destination

Friends are my support Family everything
My voice is my art
My pencil is my power
My dream is my hobby

Freedom is a hot air balloon
Drifting in the sky
Not to be tied down
There’s no limit, how high

Freedom is a sky with no sun
The vocals are sweet honey
The steep pan drum
Keeps me going, keeps me hearing
Those velvet rhymes

The heavy rhythm vibrates in my head
The steady beat repeats over
And over like a never ending river flowing
Across the dance floor

My voice is drama
I am powerful when I am home
I have so many dreams

Sandpaper lyrics
Smoothing out the rough patches of my life
Fashion is my voice
Freedom is the path I make for myself

My voice is my faith
I feel powerful with my God

My voice is football
My power is in my books
My dream is the net

Freedom is an empty cage
Drums are the stampeding elephants
Bass is the rhythm of an African dancer

Voice is your power
Power is within your dreams
Dreams come from your heart

You got the banging beats bang into you head
I got the lethal rhyme that kills me all the?

Words flow like a never ending river
People jumping like they are on a huge trampoline
Freedom is a place with no walls
The lyrics breathe freshness into my mind
The speed is like a test of a racing red Ferrari

My voice is football
My power is my feet
My dream it to play

Freedom is a bird in a forest
Freedom is a hot air balloon that never returns
The vocals are like a stampede of Kangaroos
The rhythm is like a large group of people
Jumping on pogo sticks simultaneously
The energy is like a room full of voices
Screaming and laughing children with joy
The drums are like boulders
Rolling down a staircase

Love is my comfort
Comfort comes with my friendship
Friendship is my love

The pogo stick vocals
And the volcano lyrics
Flow as the tractor drums and brain
Computer’s fireball energy flies round the room
Freedom is a key to open may doors

If we have love in our hearts all the time
We will have peace
I am may not be rich in money
But I am rich in dreams

Dreams open up doors
Courage makes the dreams come true

The vocals bounce like a space hopper
Through my ears
The rhythm never ending like a river
The ice cream lyrics melt into my head

Voice is your power
Power is within your dreams
Dreams come from your heart

I dived into the synthesizer sea
The sharp guitar cut through my cage
The bomb beat blew me off my feet
Down a hole of resounding lyrics
I solved the rhythm puzzle
Because freedom is a beat with no tune

2010-06-14T09:23:00.001+01:00

Recent Word of the Week Winners

War Memorial Library :

TEMPESTUOUS

Adjective Characterized by storms and bad weather. Violent or stormy
Chosen by Jane Cheng (13LW)

KONIOSIS

Noun A disease of the lungs that originates from certain rock particles (such as volcanic ash) being inhaled.
Chosen by Whitney Samuels (10AS)

ENVISAGE

Verb To form a mental picture of; consider as a possibility of the future.
Chosen by Loren Wright (12BA)

Discovery Library :

SUPERSTITION

Noun Irrational belief in magic and the powers that supposedly bring good luck or bad luck.
Chosen by Rosie Hui Feng (7LI)

POLYSYLLABIC

Adjective A word consisting of more than two syllables.
Chosen by Cydney Honour (8SH)

CONGENITAL
Adjective Denoting any non-hereditary condition, especially an abnormal condition, existing at birth.
Chosen by Conor Betts (7BM)

Andy Briggs

2010-06-14T09:02:00.002+01:00

Andy Briggs is the author of the very successful HERO.COM series and the VILLAIN.NET anti-series for Young Adults. He is also a screenwriter - working on numerous movies and TV shows both in the US and around the world for companies such as Paramount and Warner Bros. He is also moving to the other side of the table and is tackling the role of producer with two movies in development. Andy also writes comic books and is one to watch since he has secured the rights with the estate of Edgar Rice Burroughs to re-launch Tarzan with a brand new series of books, bringing the classic eco-warrior into the 21st century, 100 years after Tarzan first swung into our lives.

This May Andy took precious time out of his busy schedule to visit The Ravensbourne School to work with some of our Year 7, 8 and 9 students. Our students really enjoyed his visit, which was aimed at showing them they can all give writing a go. As one student said ‘Andy explained a lot about how he got from nowhere to famous and what it is like being an author.’ Many students were impressed by Andy’s star connections and enjoyed seeing the pictures of him in Hollywood. Most students seemed to enjoy the very noisy quiz Andy ran to work out if you were a hero or a villain, and many said they were inspired to write more following Andy’s visit. Let’s hope Tarzan does not take up too much of his time and Andy can visit us again some time soon. For information about Andy Briggs go to www.andybriggs.co.uk

Andy Briggs Feedback 7a1

I liked that we did a game, we could shout out, it was also very funny. Also Andy told us some stories about himself.

I thought the day was brilliant, he told us all about his life. He also told us how he got to be successful. Andy persuaded me that I can become an author. Andy described his book and me want to get it so I nagged my Mum to get them for me. The only thing he could have doe better was to let him ask some questions

I liked the fact that he came in and talked about his life and how he became a writer and ho his brother is a writer. My favourite part was the quiz. I ended up as a good guy. It was probably the best lesson I’ve ever had.

I thought it was really fun and I think he has inspired me to write something when I am older.

On that day we found out that there are hundreds of film sets everywhere. When films are actually made the buildings are really small. When you are a writer it is really easy to get distracted.

On that day we found out a lot about films, like where they are set, the people who made the film and I’ve found out about some of Andy Briggs’ books (hero.com and villain.net). At the end we had a quiz to see if you were a hero or a billion by choosing one of three answers for every question. At the end you added up your score.

The man explained a lot about how he got from nowhere to famous and what it is like being an author. He could improve it by saying what he does to make his books exciting and what he thought about us.

The good things about the day were the activities we did and seeing all the films that he showed us and the people that made the films. To improve we could have got to ask more questions.

I liked the session because we got to meet a real professional author who has been round the world. It was a really interesting session that was fun and enjoyable. To improve the session I think we could have tried to have more time so that we were able to ask him some questions about being an author. The best bit was when we saw pictures of him in Hollywood.

We had a session with Andy Briggs and I thought that it was going to be boring but when he entered the classroom we did lots of stuff. We did a quiz, we talked about books and he showed us pictures of himself in Hollywood within the studios.

The good thing about the outstanding lesson was he got me into writing because of that I write stories quite often and my handwriting is improving much more. To improve the lesson he could let us know a bit more about how he became a famous book writer.

I liked it because it was brilliant because we didn’t have to do any work or writing. I liked the way he told us about how writers are everywhere. I was annoyed with myself because I wanted to read them but I have another book going.

I really liked the session with Andy Briggs because he gave us lots of information about being a writer, he made us laugh and he told us some funny stories about his life in Hollywood. He showed us some pictures of different characters from movies and he gave us lots of information about his books and I really would like to read them.

He was a good author who had met loads of famous stars and been on the set of big movies like Terminator, Batman and many more other film sets. He has written may books for children, he has written books that are exciting and interesting. He also has a brother who has worked in the writing industry as well.

I enjoyed Mr. Briggs lesson because we didn’t write anything down and at the end we had a good quiz. I would like it if we had done more activities. My best part of the lesson was when he was telling us funny stories that had happened to him.

I thought that the session helped us to improve on our writing skills and was very fun as we got to do a fun quiz. I also liked that he shared pictures with us and showed us his books.

I liked the photos that he showed us. I liked one of the stories that he told us. I liked the bit at the end where we played a game to see if you evil or a hero or in between. I can’t think of anything to improve on.

Andy Briggs made me want to be writer/producer of anything. To improve the session he could have read us a bit of his book/s.

My thoughts on the session we had with Andy Briggs was good and interesting as we could relate to him about the things we watch or read. Also how he taught me about my writing skills and taught me that we need writers for most things such as TV programs, and books. I liked how he told us stories about his trips around the world with his brother and his pictures of Hollywood studios.

Good: He explained about his life as a writer and how important it is. He described his adventurous books. After his lesson I started writing a tragic story. It was fun and I really enjoyed it. Improvements: None.

He showed some books he wrote and he showed us where he works and what his job is. Improvements: Book selling (!), talk a bit more about his books and read from them.

2010-05-11T11:36:00.007+01:00

Recent Word of the Week Winners

War Memorial Library :

EXACERBATE

Verb To worsen a situation.
Chosen by Joshua Heaford (13LW)

PULCHRITUDINOUS

Adjective Beautiful
Chosen by Patrick Grimes (13RW)

BIGOT

Noun Someone who is intolerant especially regarding politics, religion or race.
Chosen by Robert Dowding (13RW)

CINEPHILIA

Noun An intense love of, even obsession with cinema: it implies both a way of watching and speaking about film beyond the standard relationship between cinema and its spectator.
Chosen by Adeola Ogunsanya (12AH)

Discovery Library :

ZOOTOXIN

Noun A toxic substance of animal origin, e.g. venom of snakes, spiders and scorpions.
Chosen by Mollie Hinton (9BN)

VALETUDINARIAN

Adjective A person who is excessively concerned about his/her health.
Chosen by Alex Smoker-Jones (8CZ)

POLYGAMY

Noun The condition of having more than one wife or husband.
Chosen by Chloe Hayler (7GO)

QUATREFOIL

Noun A leaf composed of four leaflets. Architecture; a carved ornament of four arcs about a common centre.
Chosen by Martyna Snegyte (9LO)

2010-05-11T10:55:00.003+01:00

On Monday April the 26th Joe Craig, the author of the very successful Jimmy Coates series of books, visited TRS to work with some of our Year 7 students. This was Joe’s third visit to TRS and he made us the great compliment of saying he loves to visit our school as our students are great to work with and he is always well looked after.

The students and staff had loads of fun with Joe who is a very funny man. Here is what they had to say about his visit:

The experience of meeting an author was very good, but people did not act strange, everyone just treated him normally.

I enjoyed the fact that he wasn’t really serious, he was jokey instead.

I learnt the three types of problem he uses which are outer problems, family problems and close or inner problems. This will help me in my school work because it will make me create good stories.

I learned that it will be easier if you plan a story. I would love him to come back.
He taught us many things such as the fact that your draft will be rubbish but you story will come out great if you keep making changes.

I learnt that drafts are really important in a story. He gave us great tips about drafts and how to make a story better and told us in a way that we could understand.

I learnt how to make drafts and how to make really good stories.

He taught us that you can get story ideas from anywhere.

Learning about the different types of problems will help me not waste my planning time.
I think he should visit our school again because he gave most students inspiration to do creative writing.

I learnt creativity because Joe was so creative and it will help me with my drama and how to come up with stories.

I learnt that you have to think about your story and it will come out of somewhere.

After Joe’s visit I can think a bit faster and I am more confident.

I have learnt how to think of a story much quicker by thinking of a problem.
What a great day it was.

I liked how Joe made up the most random stories about rabbits and Russians!

Joe really inspired me to write stories in class.

I really liked how Joe asked us for mad and interesting ideas and put it all in a short story that he told in three minutes.

I am reading one of his books and think it is brilliant, I will read another.

He should come again because he was inspiring and helpful and made me learn things I did not know.

I think he did everything he could to make us all enjoy the session.

He could try to stay for a few more days.

I won one of Joe’s books so I will definitely read it, it looks interesting.

I think he should come back again as everyone has learned from him today.

Writer visit

2010-04-01T10:08:00.006+01:00

In March Dave Cryer, a writer who runs creative writing workshops, visited the TRS to work with some of our Year 10 and 12 students. We hope the sessions run by Dave will help the students develop their creative writing skills for their coursework and their own pleasure. Here are some of our student’s comments on the day:

I think the session was really good because it got me thinking about writing and different ways of writing a story.

I thought the workshop was good with the planning and useful information Dave gave us. I think we should have a person like that for every piece of coursework.

I liked the workshop because it was different to what we usually do. It was fun and we could be as creative and independent as we wanted. It allowed us to explore. I’m not sure about how to improve it. Dave was confident, friendly and talkative and easy to listen to.

My class went to a workshop for English to help us develop our creative writing skills. I liked it because we could extend our imagination and be as creative as we liked. It was also independent work so we could not use other people’s ideas. Dave was very good at explaining how different characters are. I would not change it, it was very good just as it is.

I thought the creative writing day was very useful. It gave insight into the feelings of writers. The workshop gave information on how to format and plan a story. This workshop has inspired me to do more descriptive writing.

I liked the workshop. It rekindled my love for creative writing and helped in developing my ideas and techniques used in my coursework.

TOKENS

2010-03-30T17:43:00.002+01:00

Please remember that we are collecting the following tokens:

Sainsburys
Tesco
Nestle
Morrisons

They can be handed in to either Library

2010-03-30T17:05:00.007+01:00

Recent Word of the Week Winners

War Memorial Library :

RETICENCE

Noun The trait of being uncommunicative, not volunteering anything more than necessary

Chosen by Matthew Woodley (11AF)

LAUREL

Noun An evergreen tree with aromatic simple leaves and blackish berries. Leaves often worn on the head in a wreath as an emblem of victory or honour in classical times

Chosen by Laura Merry (10LT)

TINTINNABULATION

Noun A ringing or tinkling sound

Chosen by Neil Stacey (13SY)

Discovery Library :

RUINATION

Noun The act of ruining or the state of being ruined

Chosen by Megan Hayler (7BM).

VIVID

Adjective Bright and strong. Clear and lively

Chosen by Calum Betts (7BC)

INDUBITABLY

Adverb Absolutely, beyond doubt, definitely

Chosen by Emile Anderson (7JH)

John Pole's visit

2010-03-25T14:31:00.002Z

In March, the story teller John Pole visited TRS to work with some of our Year 8 students on their creative writing and speaking and listening skills. John told lots of different kinds of stories and ran workshops on story telling, giving the students the opportunity to have a go themselves. We hope the students had some fun but also improved their skills.

Here’s what John had to say about his day:

“I enjoyed the sessions a lot and also meeting staff and students at TRS. Please thank the students too for being such attentive listeners.”

And here’s what our students had to say:

“I really enjoyed it because we don’t usually get to do stuff like that”.

“I liked the expression in his voice”.

“It was different to everything else we do”.

“I loved it and enjoyed it”.

2010-03-08T10:17:00.003Z

Word of the Week Winners

War Memorial Library :

PRODIGY

noun: A person, especially a child, with a marvelous talent. An unusually gifted or intelligent (young) person.

Chosen by Tamryn Cooper-King 12AH

Discovery Library :

ZYMOLOGY

noun : The branch of chemistry concerned with fermentation (as in making wine or brewing or distilling).

Chosen by Humda Bhatti (8MS)

2010-03-08T10:04:00.000Z

Word of the Week Winners

War Memorial Library :

INNUENDO

noun: An indirect or subtle reference to something of a rude or unpleasant nature. A phrase or remark which can have a double meaning.

Chosen by Matthew Woodley 11AF

Discovery Library :

AMBITION

noun : To have an aspiration for success or advancement

Chosen by Brandon Flanagan (7GU)

2010-02-02T11:13:00.003Z

Word of the Week Winners

War Memorial Library :

DEIPNOSOPHIST
noun: A person skilled in dinner-table conversation or informal chitchat

Chosen by Michael Jansz (13BR)

Discovery Library :

AMITY
noun :Formal friendship, peaceful relations.

chosen by Samantha Harcourt (8CS)

2010-01-29T13:03:00.001Z

Word of the Week Winners

War Memorial Library :

CONTORTIONIST
Noun : An acrobat who is able to twist in unusual ways and positions.

Chosen by Ben Jones (12NB)

Discovery Library :

EMBOUCHURE
Noun: The mouth of a river or valley.

Chosen by Jasmine Silk (7BC)

2010-01-26T09:13:00.002Z

Word of the Week winners

War Memorial Library :

MERCURIAL
Adjective : Up and down, constantly changing. Unpredictable. Volatile

Chosen by Ms Crozier RS

Discovery Library :

INCONTESTABLE
Adjective : Impossible to deny or argue with

Chosen by Precious Akinbieleje (8BK)

2010-01-18T08:56:00.003Z

Word of the Week winners

War Memorial Library :

OBSTREPEROUS

Adjective : Being ‘stroppy’ or difficult. Noisily or stubbornly defiant. Boisterously and noisily aggressive.

Chosen by Mrs Loten Head of RS

Discovery Library :

FLATULENCE

Noun : Suffering from or caused by having too much gas in the stomach or intestines.

Chosen by Millie Winter (7LA)

2010-01-05T08:56:00.005Z

Word of the Week

War Memorial Library :

OMBUDSMAN

Noun An official who investigates citizens' complaints against the government or its servants and mediates fair settlements

Chosen by Arron Walters 10LT

Discovery Library :

REINCARNATION

Noun The belief that after death the soul is re-born in another body

Chosen by Ayla Mehmet 7BM

2010-01-05T08:53:00.002Z

Winners of Take a Risk free prize draw

The following winners were presented with their prizes at the last assembly of 2009.

1st prize Humda Bhatti 8MS

2nd prize Chloe Mannering 8CS

3rd prize Aydin Mehmet 7BC

2009-12-15T08:53:00.002Z

DID YOU TAKE A RISK IN THE DISCOVERY LIBRARY ?

Over 200 students borrowed a Take a Risk book over the last 3 weeks.

186 students won a prize
75 students won a spot prize

Results of free prize draw to be announced at KS3 assembly on Friday.

2009-12-08T13:30:00.002Z

USED POSTAGE STAMPS

Please keep saving your used postage stamps and bringing them in to the Discovery Library.
We send them off to the Chaldon Animal Sanctuary who use the money they make from them to look after rescued animals.

http://www.chaldonanimalsanctuary.co.uk/

2009-12-07T14:18:00.003Z

Word of the Week

War Memorial Library :

COMPREHENSIBLE

Adjective Readily comprehended or understood

Intelligible, user-friendly

Chosen by Jordan Pearton 13 GF

Discovery Library :

ANACHRONISM

Noun Something that is in the wrong time period, for example “Henry the VIII logged on to his computer”.

Chosen by Precious Akinbileje 8BK

2009-12-04T09:17:00.003Z

Word of the Week Winners

War Memorial Library :

GAUNT

Adjective Bony and emaciated in appearance

Thin and haggard, angular

Bleak and Desolate ( of places)

Chosen by Zuhal Cetinkaya (12MW)

Discovery Llibrary :

BIOLUMINESCENCE

Noun Bright glow of light coming from a living organism such as a fire fly

Chosen by Maisie Jones (8BK)

2009-12-01T11:21:00.005Z

Booked Up is a national programme run by Booktrust and supported by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Booktrust is an independent charity with the goal of encouraging and supporting reading for pleasure. The Booktrust provide each Year 7 pupil in registered schools in England with a free ‘Booked Up’ book from a list of 12 specially selected titles. The Librarians registered TRS and organized the selection and ordering of the books. At last the Booked Up books have arrived and have been organised into their boxes and delivered to the Forms. We hope the Year 7s enjoy their selection. If you like the look of any of the Booked Up books, copies of all the titles are held in the Discovery Library for borrowing.

http://www.bookedup.org.uk/About-Booked-Up

2009-11-27T13:29:00.001Z

Have you taken a risk this week ?

96 students have vsited the Discovery Library to 'Take a Risk' this week.

57 have already won a prize for completing their questionnaire and 22 have won a spot prize.

If you haven't already done so, why not come along and 'Take a Risk' next week ?

2009-11-27T09:27:00.000Z

Word of the Week

War Memorial Library :

PURLOIN

verb To steal, often in violation of trust

To pilfer.

To make off with belongings of others

Chosen by Ben Jones 12 NB

Discovery Library :

ESPIONAGE

noun The use of spies to obtain secret information especially by governments

Chosen by Ethan Yates 7MN

2009-11-23T09:31:00.002Z

How ready are you to take a risk?

Borrow a mystery ‘Take A Risk Book’
fill in the short questionnaire and you will
automatically win a prize,
AND
have your name entered into a free prize draw
with the chance to win more prizes,

PLUS spot prizes to be won.

See a Librarian in the
Discovery Library for details.

2009-11-20T10:00:00.000Z

Word of the Week Winners this week

War Memorial Library :

SERENDIPITY

Noun The gift of making fortunate discoveries by accident
Good fortune, luck

Chosen by Tamryn Cooper-King 12AH

Discovery Library :

TRANSURANIC

Adjective An artificially made, radioactive element that has an atomic number higher than uranium in the periodic table of elements such as neptunium, plutonium, americium, and others.

Chosen by Megan Edwards 7LA

2009-11-13T13:53:00.000Z

How ready are you to take a risk?

Coming soon......................

2009-11-13T13:16:00.000Z

Hints on how to write a book review

You MUST include the author and title and your name and class!

Getting started

Ask yourself the questions below and you can use your answers to help create your review. Answer the questions using only one or two words or, at the very most, one or two sentences. You don’t have to answer them all, but they will help get you started.

Plot

What was the opening like? Dramatic, dull, slow, exciting?
What was the story about?
What length of time passes in the story? (1 day, a week etc.?)
What happened, was it unusual or ordinary?
How did the story end?

Characters

Who were the main characters?
What were they like?
Were they described in much detail?
Who did you find most interesting/like best and why?
Who did you like least and why?
What kind of relationships/conflicts were there in the story?

Setting

Where was the story set?
When was the story set?

Style

Was the story written in the first or third person (‘I’ or ‘she’) and was this important?
Was the setting described in detail?
Were feelings and attitudes described well?
Was it a good or bad story and why do you think it was good/bad?
What was your favourite moment in the story and why?
Was there anything that could be better and if so what changes would you make?

General

Do you think the writer had a reason for telling the story?
How did you feel during and after reading the story?
Do you think you learned anything from the story?
How would you compare it to other books you have read?
Would you recommend this book and if so to whom?

Now you can start writing your review

Using your notes from the questions you answered start writing your review. Don’t forget to keep looking at to your notes for help.

Introduction

(Plot, Characters, Setting)

Introduce the book by stating the title and author and then write 3 or 4 sentences giving a rough outline of the story. Outline the main characters and mention the setting.

Highlights and weak moments

(Style)

Tell your reader about the best bits and why and about any parts where you got bored or wished the action would liven up. You must explain why those bits were good/bad.

Your verdict

(General)

Tell your reader what you thought about the book and why. Say what the book did and did not do for you. You must give reasons and examples. Say if you would recommend it to anyone else and if so what kind of person.

Word of the Week Winners this week

2009-11-10T09:35:00.000Z

War Memorial Library :

MACHINATION

Noun A crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
An intrigue or scheme

Chosen by Mr Merrony History

Discovery Library :

ENIGMATIC

Adjective Mysterious or puzzling

Chosen by Rosie Osborn 7JH

2009-11-03T09:09:00.000Z

Word of the Week winners this week

War Memorial Library :

PARACROSTIC

Noun A poetical composition in which the first verse contains, in order, the first letter of all the verses of the poem

Chosen by Remi Chea 13BR

Discovery Library :

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM

Noun Low growing plant with fleshy leaves and bright daisy-like flowers

Chosen by Bartek Paulinski 8SH

2009-10-23T09:51:00.000+01:00

Word of the Week winners this week

War Memorial Library :

RECALCITRANT
adjective : Marked by stubborn resistance to and defiance of authority. Difficult to manage

Chosen by Mr Agbai ICT

Discovery Library :
ZABAGLIONE
noun : A dessert made of egg yolks, sugar and wine whipped

Chosen by Charlie Perriss 8CS

2009-10-16T09:44:00.000+01:00

Word of the Week winners this week

War Memorial Library :

RIDICULOUS

Adjective : Silly . Absurd . Preposterous . Deserving to be laughed at

Chosen by Mr Pearce (Music)

Discovery Library :

CAPYBARA

Noun : The world's biggest rodent

Chosen by Lauren Del Guerico (8SH)

2009-10-16T09:38:00.000+01:00

Word of the Week

Do you have a favourite or unusual word that you want to share ?

Ask a Librarian for an entry form and if your word is chosen you will win a prize

2009-10-13T16:16:00.000+01:00

The War Memorial Library

The Discovery Library