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Year 11-ENG. Ext.: Database Lesson
Smith’s Hill High School Library
1. The Library Today – More Than Books
The school library is both a physical space and a learning hub.
Students come for quiet study, collaboration, reading, and support.
The website extends the library beyond school hours.
Families can access many of the same resources students use at school.
Our goal: support achievement, independence, and wellbeing.
2. What the Library Helps Students Develop
Reading culture – developing curiosity and vocabulary.
Research skills – finding reliable information.
Study strategies – learning how to learn effectively.
Executive functioning – planning, organisation, self-management.
Academic confidence – knowing how to seek help and advocate for themselves.
3. The Physical Library Space
Quiet study areas for focused work.
Collaborative spaces for group learning.
A growing collection of fiction and non-fiction books.
Big thanks to the SHHS families who have made donations through the DGR Fund – this year we have renewed the display shelves for our fiction collection. Students and teachers are loving the changes – we have increased the number of books that are displayed with their cover forward facing by 600%.
Board games and puzzles that build social connection.
A display of practical resources students can take:
study timetable templates
self-advocacy guides
planning tools
learning strategy sheets.
These resources are designed to be practical tools students actually use.
4. The Library Website – Learning Support at Home
The website is designed as a student support toolkit.
It includes:
study skill guides
research tools and databases
reading recommendations
wellbeing and learning resources
executive functioning supports.
Students can access this any time, including during homework or exam preparation.
5. Helping Students Study Smarter
Many students work very hard but haven’t been taught how to study effectively.
The website introduces evidence-based strategies such as:
retrieval practice
spaced study
effective note-making
exam preparation strategies
managing distractions.
These skills can significantly improve achievement and confidence.
6. Research Skills for Assignments
Students often default to the first Google result.
The library helps them learn:
how to identify reliable sources
how to use academic databases
how to evaluate information
how to avoid plagiarism.
These are essential academic skills for senior school and university.
7. Supporting Different Learners
Students learn in different ways.
The library resources include support for:
executive functioning challenges
neurodiverse learners
students developing independent study habits.
The aim is to help students understand how their own brain learns best.
8. How Parents Can Help Students Use the Library
Parents can encourage students to:
explore the library website together.
use the study tools and planners available.
borrow books or try audiobooks.
ask library staff for help with research or reading recommendations.
Small habits like these can make a big difference to learning outcomes.
9. A Culture of Curiosity
One of the most important roles of the library is to help students develop:
curiosity
independent thinking
a love of reading
confidence in learning.
These qualities support students not just in school, but throughout their lives.
10. Invitation to Use the Library
Students are always welcome in the library before school, recess, lunch, and study periods.
Families can explore the website and resources at home.
If students need help with reading, research, or study skills, we are here to support them.
The library is here to help students grow as learners and readers, and we also support teachers who are building information literacy skills.
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