With the summer holidays just around the corner our Library has been very busy issuing those essential summer reads for SGS students to dive into! Remember, you can log into the Reading Cloud and Sora for additional book inspiration, below is a reminder of how to get started. Why not write a review on the Reading Cloud and WIN prizes - for more details scroll down the blog…
We have some fantastic and gripping books which are ready for you to grab over the summer holidays: Department 19 by Will Hill; Adam2 by Alastair Chisholm; iBoy by Kevin Brooks
New this July is a powerful little book of poetry, written by Young Writers, called: Empowered, Beyond Thought collection of Poetry (section 821). Also, check out these amazing titles: Running with the Kenyans by Adharanand Finn (section 796); Hilter’s Angel by William Osbourne.
This term, year 7 & 8 myths and legends literacy topic has been a frontrunner to explore fables, folklore, traditions and tales. We have a huge collection of myths and legends books to entice you to read more captivating stories over the summer holidays. Our new titles, you’ll find under section 398, include: African & Caribbean Folktales, Myths and Legends by Wendy Shearer; Irish Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends by Kieran Fanning; Russian Tales; Tales from East Africa; Irish Folktales; Scottish Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends by Mairi Kidd.
Check out Sora, you can add Surrey County Council’s library to your account for more variety, then type into the search box “Myths.” We found these mythology hits interesting: Medusa by Jessie Burton; Samurai Rising by Pamela S Turner and The King Arthur Trilogy by Rosemary Sutcliff; Icarus was ridiculous by Pamela Rutchart.
New York Times and internationally bestselling author, Sarah J Maas, has taken the romantic fantasy world by storm with her sizzling romantic fantasy series: A Court of Thorns & Roses; A Court of Mist & Fury; A Court of Wings & Ruin and A Court of Frost & Starlight. The plot focuses around Feyre, a 19 year old huntress, whose family have lost their fortune. Feyre, kills a wolf in the woods behind her home but she quickly finds out there are consequences for killing the magical creature and she is taken prisoner by a terrifying beast, who isn’t all he seems. These books contain strong content so they are only available for loan from the school library for Year 10 and above.
Check out other fantasy novels by Sarah J Maas that you may also enjoy: The Crescent City series and The Throne of Glass series.
Randall Munroe has been an engineer, physicist, programmer but, most famously, a comic strip writer and creator of the xkcd web-comic. Fascinated by the interesting places you could go if you tried to answer seemingly stupid questions, he started a blog in 2012 in which he invited people to send in their weird and wonderful queries. He then answered them, using correct physics (and assorted other sciences). From the simple "how high could a human being throw something?" to the more unusual "how long could a nuclear submarine last in space?" to the more worrying "what would happen if the world stopped turning but the atmosphere didn't?" to the terrifying "what would happen if all my DNA disappeared?". This book is a collection of his answers to these, and many other, questions.
It's written in a simple, easy-to-read style and Randall has a very dry sense of humour. Interspersed with his trademark stick figures, the book is the perfect gateway to non-fiction. It does all the mental heavy lifting for you but for those who want a little more, there is plenty of good physics tucked away in there. Even if physics isn't your thing, it is an engagingly humorous book written with passion, knowledge and flair. And if you don't either laugh out loud or put the book down and stare into space with the enormity of what you've read at least once, there's a chance you're actually a replicant and not human at all. If you're a naturally curious person, there are plenty of books that will tell you "why the sky is blue" or "where babies come from". But if you want to know "whether we could eliminate the common cold by everyone staying away from everyone else for a couple of weeks" or wonder what "a mole of moles" would look like, this the book for you.
And if you don't want to know, you need to read this book to realise that, yes, you really do.
The Library are running a book review competition. All you have to do is read a book over the summer holidays (it doesn’t have to be from our school library), log on to the Reading Cloud, go to the review button, write an amazing book review to inspire others to read the book and publish it. The best reviews will WIN prizes, so get reading, we are looking forward to seeing some good reviews – Good luck!
Our art department have recommended these truly enlightening art books to inform, enrich and broaden art design in all its different forms and mediums. A must read for all students interested in art. These really do ‘draw’ the reader in and we think you won’t want to put them down, they are simply fascinating.
500 Paper Objects by Gene McHugh, How to See It, How to Draw It by Matthew Brehm; The Art of Perspective by Phil Metzger; Coloured Pencil, Painting Bible by Alyona Nicklesen; Anatomy for the Artist by Sarah Simblet; Painting with Paper by Yulia Brodskaya.
During activities week year 7 visited the incredible Cartoon Museum, London to learn all about comic design during a special comic strip workshop.
All students who attended had a superb introduction on how it feels to be a comic artist. If you are going into Year 8 in September and would like to continue to learn more about comics, we will be running our school Comic Club on Monday 12th September 2022, period 7 in the Library. Below is a little snippet of what our current year 8 comic club students have done this term.
Two new books have just arrived on our Comic Book shelf (section 471): Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud, a must read for budding comic strip illustrators and The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, a graphic novel about the memoirs of a girl growing up in revolutionary Iran.
When it comes to books about growing up and how deal with all those teenage changes, it’s time to check out our library books on the subject: The teenage Guy’s Survival Guide by Jeremy Daldry (section: 305); How to Grow up by Dr Ranj (section: 612); Blame it on my Brain by Nicola Morgan (section: 153).
These fantastic books are written to help you deal with the trials and tribulations of growing up, chase away any worries and make you feel amazing about just being you.
Congratulations to Marcus 7G; Kavish 7L; Advaith 7M; Ruoqi 7T; Eric 7W, who are our top library book borrowers. They will each receive a book and special enamel bookmark from Mrs. Taylor.
Check out this great link for inspiration on summer holiday reading and what to read next. For quickness you can filter it by age. All books on this link are for purchase but you can search the titles on Sora for free (stock permitting). https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk
The Baillie Gifford Schools Programme enables children to participate in one of the world’s leading book festivals, the Edinburgh International Book Festival. The event promises a range of authors talking about their books and inspiring us to read some new material. One such author, Georgina Stevens, will be telling us about her book entitled ‘Climate Action.’
As the programme takes place over our school summer holidays you will be able to watch online (and on-demand) for FREE: www.edbookfest.co.uk. All events will take place in the state-of-the-art studios inside Edinburgh College of Art where authors will be appearing live on stage. All events are approximately 45 minutes in duration. Check out below the programme of what’s happening and enjoy tuning in! edbookfest-baillie-gifford-schools-programme-2022
Click on the link below to see a great list of books that famous booksellers Waterstones have blogged about, you might get some good ideas: www.waterstones.com/blog-julys-best-teen-2022
London theatres Kids Week Offer runs throughout August 2022 Prices vary one adult to accompany a child. Kids under 17 years old go free this August to the London shows with this annual summer promotion. There are plenty to choose from. Those sixth form students covering the author Agatha Christie, "Witness of the Prosecution" and "Mousetrap" included in the list of shows. Other books that have been turned into success west End hits currently showing are "Life of Pi," The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe and "The Great Gatsby." Check out the list below (always ask an adult before buying online). Where: London https://officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week/ Windsor Castle tour Open throughout the year Adults Mon-Fri £26.50 (Sat: £28.50)/ Children Mon-Fri £14.50 (Sat £18.50). A family offer is also available. Tickets include access to the Platinum Jubilee: The Queen's Coronation a special display in the castle and a multimedia guide. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 39 monarchs and The Queen spends most of her private weekends at the Castle. It is open to visitors throughout the year. Where: Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1NJ https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle##prices
Guildford Shakespeare Company The Tempest 15th - 30th July 2022 Family tickets available £80 (2 Adults & 2 Children) £27.50 per Adult and Children under £16.50 each. The Tempest play written by William Shakespeare, performed by the Guildford Shakespeare Company outside in an open-air theatre is sure to provide the perfect summer entertainment, so let the magic begin. Where: GSC HQ, Astolat Pavilion, Stoke Park, Lido Road, Guildford https://www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
Dopamine Land Throughout the Summer Holidays Tues - Sunday, times vary. Adult (ages 13+) £20.00/Children (ages 2-12) £15.00, family bundle prices available from £16.50. Dopamine Land is a new multi-sensory experience that channels the limitless imagination of your mind. The interactive museum that combines media and technology promises to be a sensory delight, allowing you to connect with your inner self through colourful installations. Where: 79-85 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3LD https://dopaminelandexperience.com/london
Music in Nork Park Sunday 17th July 12pm - 6.15pm Nork Park is celebrating 30 years of Music in the park with lots of fun for the whole family. With a great line up of music, stalls and fun, why not bring a picnic and enjoy all that's on offer. Where: 211 Nork Way, Banstead SM7 1JG https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle##prices
Paddington Bear by Bricklive 23rd July - 31st July 2022 Join the world's favourite marmalade-loving bear, "Paddington," along with other fictional characters from the books/TV series/films franchise with this unique collection of life sized brick models (and selfie opportunities) in the glorious setting of Norfolk Square Park. On Saturday 23rd July for one day only there will be a free fun fair for all to enjoy. Where: Norfolk Square Gardens, Paddington W2 https://www.thisispaddington.com/bricklive
Bourne Hall Museum Open Mon – Sat daily The Bourne Hall museum offers a wonderful local insight with decades of local history in its collection of fine art, costume, archaeology and social history. Highlights include Prime Minister Rosebery’s hansom cab, a 19th century fire engine, extensive Derby memorabilia and significant Roman archaeology from local sites. The area is well known for ‘Nonsuch Park’ where Henry VIII built his famous ‘Nonsuch Palace.’ Where: Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey KT17 1UF https://www.bournehall.org/visit-us/museum