Abingdon News No.40

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7
Exciting New
Library will Support
Independent Learning
Preparations are well underway for the new
library, which will occupy the first floor of the
new Beech Court development opening in
autumn 2018. The library will replace the
existing library in Big School and will be a
focus for independent learning. With more
than twice the floor area of the present
library it will be centred around a dedicated
reading area and a flexible, open-plan space
supporting different modes of study. It will
also include a sound-proofed zone for private
study, project rooms and a careers office.
The dedicated reading area will provide
a welcoming, comfortable space where
students can drop in and simply read.
Zoning and careful sound baffling will enable
the library to accommodate a diverse
range of teaching and learning activities
simultaneously. The facilities will encourage
students to recognise and fully utilise the
value of both established and emerging
information platforms. Digital resources and
mobile technology, both integral to reading
and research, will be readily accessible with
wi-fi and charging points throughout. At the
same time, the library will house more than
15,000 books, journals and magazines.
The library will bring together the best of
what our existing library offers with the best
of new technologies, in a comfortable and
flexible space tailored to the diverse needs
of students growing up in a rapidly evolving
information environment.
You can now watch National Theatre Live and RSC Live broadcasts at the Amey
Theatre. Following a substantial upgrade of the sound and audio visual facilities,
which includes a 8m x 5m cinema screen and 7.1 surround sound, the Theatre
opened its doors to the public for the live screening of The Tempest from the RSC.
This was followed by NT Live’s Saint Joan, Hedda Gabler and Twelfth Night.
An impressive list of screenings are lined up for the rest of the year, including the
RSC’s Rome series (Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra and Titus Adronicus)
and the National Theatre’s production of the award winning Angels in America
(Part I and Part II). We are also in the process of organising screenings with the
English National Opera and Royal Opera House. The full line up of events at the
Amey Theatre includes the Horizon lecture series, which are public talks from world
renowned adventurers, about their remarkable stories of exploration and discovery.
Adventurer Alastair Humphreys entertained an audience of nearly 400 people and
other speakers included internationally acclaimed mountaineer Stephen Venables,
leading polar explorer Pen Hadow and local adventurer Sarah Outen.
For more information about upcoming live screenings and other events hosted
at the Amey Theatre, please visit the Box Office at
events where you can also buy tickets.
Independent Learning
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