College Libraries
Forest Hill College has two fully resourced libraries - one for Year 7 to 9 students and one for Year 10 - 12 students. These centres
provide a wide range of teaching and learning resources, both in
traditional print form and through electronic interactive media, to
support the challenging, comprehensive curriculum of the College as
well as the extra-curricular needs of our students.
Each library aims to enrich the educational experiences of the students through exposure to a maximum number of quality resources accessed through information retrieval skills. Qualified library staff assist students to develop the skills needed to define and locate their information needs and to critically examine, select and judge learning resources appropriate to these needs.
Each library provides students with an attractive and stimulating environment with opportunities for study, research and recreation in an atmosphere of co-operation and consideration for others.
Junior Library
The Junior Library supports classroom teachers by providing up-to-date resources that address the Victorian Essential
Learning Standards and contribute to the development of curriculum
plans. The extensive list of resources includes a comprehensive non-fiction section, current magazines and periodicals, online reference sites, audio-visual material and equipment, as well as resources specifically targeted to ESL learners.
Library staff assist in the development of reading
skills and in motivating students to read for both information and
pleasure. Our fiction section is impressive and is updated on a regular basis and is a helpful source of material when students are participating in the Premier's Reading Challenge. All levels of reading ability are catered for and we encourage students to make requests for new material. The Junior Library is particularly proud of its growing manga section, which has been enthusiastically embraced by students from all levels.
The Junior Library provides two spacious class areas, complemented by a fully-networked suite of computers. It is also open at lunchtime and after school, providing a space for students to continue their study in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Senior Library
The Senior Library supports teachers and students with up-to-date resources that focus on the more specific needs of those studying for the Victorian Certificate of Education and the Victorian
Certificate of Applied Learning.
Our fully networked suite of computers enables students to research issues and information by applying the search skills developed during their time in the Junior Library. Qualified library staff are on hand at all times to support students and to enhance their ability to find the information they require.
Facilities available in the Senior Library include a generous classroom area capable of seating two classes as well as a relaxing fiction section, a seminar room for study groups and "The Nook" - a dedicated study room for Year 12 students.
Reading Challenge
Every year, students in Years 7-10 at Forest Hill College participate in the Premier's Reading Challenge. Junior Library staff and English teachers encourage as many students as possible to sign up for the challenge of reading 15 books before the end of August. Library staff assist students with book choice, making it easy for students to identify books on the Challenge reading list.
The College's percentage of successful challengers is always in the high nineties - a reflection on both the enthusiasm of the students and the encouragement and assistance of their teachers and library staff.
