FBS Library
Selected Books
Research shows that boys appreciate being able to read the same books as their peers. This is something we’ve listened to and acted upon. At FBS we have carefully selected series of books that we know will appeal to boys, and insufficient numbers that they can read the same book as each other. Series include Skulduggery Pleasant, Divergent Series and The Hunger Games. Our library has comfy seating and is a quiet space that boys can go to during lunch times to read our book of the week, some carefully selected non-fiction to complement the curriculum or to complete ownwork.
Throughout KS3 (Years 7-9), boys have a weekly library lesson with their English teacher. During this time, teachers monitor students’ reading progress using Accelerated Reader. It is also a good opportunity for students to discuss what they are reading, share recommendations for new reading material and renew library books.
| Breaktime | Lunchtime | |
| Monday | 7 and 8 | 9 and 10 |
| Tuesday | 9 and 10 | 7 and 8 |
| Wednesday | 7 and 8 | 9 and 10 |
| Thursday | 9 and 10 | 7 and 8 |
| Friday | All Years | All Years (with token) |
Accelerated Reader
Visit the FBS Accelerated Reader page
What is Accelerated Reader?
- At the start of each year, the AR platform tests students’ reading level and gives each student a personalised optimal reading range (known as the Zone of Proximal Development – or ZPD).
- Students then choose fiction and non-fiction books that fit their ZPD (either directly from the FBS Library or using the AR Book Finder on the website).
- Ideally, students should start with books at the lower end of their reading range and make their way up over the course of the academic year.
- Every time they finish a book, students will take a short online AR quiz that checks their understanding of the book.
- All the important data goes to students’ teachers and this helps the English Department and Form Tutors check reading progress.
Accelerated Reader is COMPETITIVE:
- When you take an AR Quiz you will get points based on your own personal reading goals.
- Each week one House Reader from each House and one FBS Reader will be announced in House Assemblies.
- These students will receive a House Point.
- At the end of each term, the House with the most AR House Points will receive a prize!
#RealMenRead
FBS Reads
Our recommendations this half term are closely linked to our Christian Value – Loving Truth, and Enterprise Skill – Being Inquisitive.
KS3: The Boy a the Back of the Class by O.Q. Raúf
Accelerated Reader ZPD: 5.4
Recommended Age: 9 – 13
Onjali Q. Raúf is Founder and CEO of the London based human rights organisation Making Herstory, working to end the abuse, trafficking and enslavement of women and girls in the UK and beyond. His book won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019.
Ahmet is a refugee and has been separated from his family. None of the adults seem to be able to help him, so his friends come up with a daring plan, embarking on an extraordinary adventure.
KS4: About A Boy by Nick Hornby
Accelerated Reader ZPD: 5.5
Recommended Age: 14+
Nick Hornby‘s comic and heart-warming million-copy bestseller is a classic young adult novel (and there’s a film too).
Meet Marcus. He’s twelve, has a pudding bowl haircut and lives with his depressed mother. Meet Will. He’s thirty-six, single and lives with his record collection. Can Will teach Marcus how to grow up cool? And can Marcus help Will just to grow up?
Reading MENtors
NEW opportunity for Reading, Social Enterprise and House Points!
The Reading MENtors scheme aims to boost the reading ages of students in Years 7 and 8 by providing them with an opportunity to read aloud and ask questions about their book to someone just a few years older*, but with a lot more reading experience under their belt. It is also a way to help younger students feel part of the FBS community and for older students to get involved in Social Enterprise. Each week during RealMenRead form time KS3 MENtees will meet their KS4 MENtors for 15 minutes of reading in the library and will record their meeting on their Reading Passport.
To join simply speak to your Form Tutor or English teacher!
*MENtors will be in Years 10 and 11, but Year 9s with high reading ages may be considered.
Looking for more ideas?
Watch these video recommendations made by FBS staff:
- Watch Mr Lane’s video about The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime
- Watch Miss Santos’s video about The Book Thief
- Watch Mr Browne’s video about Harry Potter
- Watch Miss Stolarska’s video about The Red Pyramid
- Watch Miss Farrell’s video about Northern Lights
- Watch Mr Burns and Miss Hunt’s video about The Hobbit
- Watch Mr Johns’ video about Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
- Watch Mr Kellie’s video about Earthfall
- Watch Miss Adam’s video about Private Peaceful
- Watch Mr Brown’s video about Animal Farm
- Watch Mr Maddison’s video about Brave New World
- Watch Jermaine Johnson’s video about The Cherub series
- Watch Mr Boswarva’s video about The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe