College – Issue 37

NEWS & EVENTS A room of their own

On the top floor of the Hare Memorial Building you will find the Scholars’ Library – a space where boys in the advanced learning programme can come for tutorials, hang out, read and debate.

Head of Advanced Learning Sian Evans describes it as both a common room and study area for boys who want to focus on learning and academics. “I like to think of it as a kind of ‘Advanced Learning Centre’. It’s open to everyone, but the boys that are inclined to come are the boys who are more academically oriented. It’s a space where the boys who are preparing for scholarship can relax and recharge,

bounce ideas off each other, and crystallise and expand their thoughts and ideas on any topic.” The English and Mathematics tutors also work out of the Scholars’ Library. “It’s so nice to have a dedicated space like this where you can get on and help the kids without there being a lot of other distractions in the background,” says English tutor Ruth Simms.

“It’s such a positive learning environment, very much for self- motivated boys who want to take charge of their own learning – and a place where they’re absolutely encouraged to aspire to academic success.” As well as individual tutorials, the Scholars’ Library is also used for scholarship tutorials for all subjects, and for events like the House debating competition and poetry competition. “The idea is to see how it evolves, see what it will develop into – and it’s already starting to grow organically as the boys come in and make it their own,” says Sian. “History has a very nice way of repeating, as this was the original College library building. It feels like we’ve come full circle. Developing the Scholars’ Library has breathed new life and new purpose into one of our most attractive heritage spaces.”

College Issue 37 2019

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