The Library plays an important part in supporting our pupils' learning in all subjects and also offers a place for independent research. It is open throughout the day. Computers are in place for research / study purposes and provide the full range of programmes common to the school's networked system.

The library hosts a lunchtime study club which is supervised by teachers. Membership is free and open to all who wish to use the library for quiet study. All pupils are automatically members of the Library. They are permitted to take out up to three books (fiction and/or non fiction) for a period of two weeks. Sixth Formers are permitted five books.

The library is the venue for a number of lunchtime events such as readings and talks by visiting speakers on a variety topics.

Outside agencies have brought in hundreds of books for the pupils and students to buy or choose for the library. We hope to continue this practice, in order to nurture and to reinforce good reading habits in Hartismere.

Hartismere follows a whole-school approach to learning support and therefore all teaching departments plan their work so that our pupils are offered the greatest opportunity to achieve full potential.

In addition, there is a Learning Support Department which works with pupils with learning difficulties. Pupils are encouraged to take full advantage of the main school curriculum and are helped to become more independent learners. They are supported by being taught in small groups which are withdrawn from lessons, in class support, tutorial-time sessions, lunchtime tuition and help for homework. Parents are encouraged to help in the programme of support to improve skills and confidence.

The Learning Support Department endeavours to work in partnership with parents to assess, identify and encourage all pupils to achieve their potential. A full copy of the school's Special Educational; Needs Policy is available at the school on request.

Our equal opportunities policy is integral with our curriculum as well as being highlighted from time to time by special events.

All departments are required to re-assess their approaches to the taught curriculum on a regular basis bearing in mind the composition of the groups in any particular year. The materials used are chosen with care to reflect an awareness of gender, ability and cultural background. Our whole school aim and ethos are based on our commitment to valuing the individual and are reflected in the teaching practices we encourage.

In general, most extra curricular activities and trips are organised to provide equality of opportunity - with the proviso that some are targeted at particular groups for curriculum reasons, or because they form part of the programme of activities for a year group. Year 9, for instance, take part in 'Industry Day' annually to foster and promote equality of opportunity.

We try to ensure that our curriculum enable pupils to move with ease into work or further education. In addition all pupils are given information and guidance about careers in their Personal, Health and Social Education with the PSHE tutor playing a major role. Professional support is provided by Suffolk Careers.

During Year 11 all pupils are offered an interview with the careers officer. All Year 10 pupils participate in the Work Experience Scheme in the summer term.

There are information evenings for parents and pupils in Years 10 and 11. Similar arrangements are made for 6th Formers.

We consider it very important that all our pupils and students should develop respect and tolerance for people from all cultural backgrounds. Thus an awareness and understanding of different cultures is promoted in both our teaching and in the general school atmosphere. A disrespect for people from other cultures is not tolerated.