The Library

Building

Unique to the Wirral and rare elsewhere, Ridgeway High School houses a public library as part of the school premises. All pupils thus have easy access to the library without leaving the school grounds.
If research or information is needed during lessons a pass is given by the teacher to allow pupils to visit the library for as long as is necessary. Otherwise pupils can visit during lunch hours and after school. A photocopier is available, and fully qualified staff. Classes can also book in to visit the library, to use the space, books or IT Suite.

Staff

Two members of staff are always available to answer queries and help with homework and library education. Both these are specialists in work with young people.

Back Up Service

Ridgeway library is served by a daily delivery van connecting it with 22 other libraries on the Wirral, including the vast resources of the Central Libraries in Bebington, Wallasey and Birkenhead.
Information or other media support for individual pupils or teachers, that cannot be answered on site, are only a phone call away. As part of the Young People's Services Team the librarian has excellent contacts and knowledge of where to look for specific requests. All such requests are free to pupils as are requests for any book.

Study Skills

A careful programme of study skills is planned for pupils in all subjects by their subject teachers, and the Librarian contributes to this if required with books, talks and lessons to empower pupils and unlock the whole realm of knowledge available in print through the public library system.

Use

Last year over 4,500 items were loaned to Ridgeway pupils over the school year and over 6,500 visits were made to the library by pupils during the school day.

Benefits

The advantages of such easy access to a welcoming and well stocked library cannot be overestimated. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, happy to spend time with individual pupils, could not be taken for granted elsewhere. It can make all the difference between homework causing misery and difficulty for the whole family and homework leading to success and satisfaction. It can encourage literacy and a love for books and provide a haven within the school.