The Horizon: Where Knowledge Knows No Boundaries
Written by: Crescendra Tan, Head of Department (English Language & Literature), Naval Base Secondary School
Our school library, The Horizon, is a sleek and cosy space where students can read, collaborate, and research. As the name suggests, this is a place where students’ horizons are broadened through books, encouraging them to explore new ideas and perspectives. The name also reflects our school’s naval and nautical heritage, underscoring the library’s role in inspiring students to embark on their own learning journeys.
The Horizon before the renovation.
Before the renovation our library, we faced several challenges. The previous design was traditional, with bookshelves lining the walls and study tables at the centre of the room. While students made use of the space to do their revision and there were some student activities conducted there, the space was largely under-utilised. The library collection was also in need of a refresh, with many titles not appealing to the current profile of our readers anymore. While the language departments had established reading programmes and were eager to organise exciting activities to promote reading, the existing space was not quite able to cater to these needs.
Envisioning a Multi-Functional and Inviting Space
The teachers envisioned a library that was warm and inviting, multi-functional and adaptable, where every piece of furniture and design element had to serve multiple purposes. Inspired by research from NIE, mainly Envisioning the School Library of the Future: A 21st Century Framework by A/Prof Loh Chin Ee, and after gathering input from our teachers and students, we wished for our library to be a cosy space for reading and revision, as well as for research and collaboration.
The Horizon reimagined.
A space conducive for reading and studying
In terms of design, we went with natural light and a more natural colour palette of light oak, warm white, grey. Glass panels replaced solid walls to allow sunlight to flood the space, creating a bright and welcoming environment. Besides having usual study tables, there are also armchairs and high tables that overlook the garden, providing a soothing break from reading. We also desired mobile shelves that could be easily rearranged to accommodate various activities, from reading sessions to interactive lessons. These shelves were designed to be of an optimal height of no taller than 1.7 metres, ensuring that books were accessible to students.
Student studying while overlooking the garden.
A space conducive for collaboration
Students collaborating on their projects.
As part of our reading programme, a few activities made use of this space this year. For example, for our Student-initiated Learning Student-led Workshops, we had students conduct crocheting classes in the library, alongside some crocheting books we purchased for our collection. During the month of March, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, students also used the library to access titles on gender equality and award-winning fiction by female writers. The Secondary Four students also had their inter-class debate competition held there.
We believe that reading is also a social activity. To support collaboration and small-group activities, an amphitheatre, together with mobile tables and chairs were incorporated into the design. Taking reference from the National Library at Tampines Hub and various book cafés, the amphitheatre not only provides tiered seating for performances and discussions but also doubles as storage for leisure reading materials such as magazines, comics, and Japanese Manga.
Students commemorating International Women’s Day.
A New Chapter for The Horizon
When The Horizon reopened, it was met with excitement from students and staff. Footfall to the library increased dramatically and the language departments wasted no time in organising thematic reading activities and class library visits to promote readership.
Increased Readership
Concurrently, alongside our reading programmes, we have refreshed the collection, introducing titles better suited to our students’ interests and increasing the selection of non-fiction books. We recognised that ‘students are motivated to read when they have access to good quality and diversity of reading materials’ (Loh, 2018) and took time to survey our students on titles and themes that interest them. For example, we needed to add more titles to our non-fiction collection. Through surveys and dialogue with students, many expressed a desire to read beyond non-fiction. According to profiling reports by CIVICA, we also needed to increase our book-student ratio to 12:1 (it has increased from 4:1 to 5:1 as of June 2024). Besides the annual purchases, the school community came together to donate brand new titles to the library, through a Gift-a-book Initiative. Contributors also wrote a personal note in the book to inspire our Navalites. Through these initiatives and school programmes, readership increased sharply as compared to pre-2021 figures.
Challenges
Author-in-Residence Programme for Chinese Language.
Despite the positive changes, challenges persist. Class library visits, combined with teachers recommending books, have been effective in encouraging students to borrow titles. However, other activities, while popular, have had mixed results in fostering readership. For instance, the English department organised regular movie screenings, including The Book Thief to raise awareness of war and conflict. While these screenings drew strong attendance, only two students borrowed the book afterward. Similarly, as part of the Environmental Education programme for all Secondary Twos, students were introduced to new titles on climate change and sustainable living. However, most students preferred to rely on online articles and videos instead.
Another observation is that a significant number of students visit The Horizon primarily for revision or collaborative work, rather than to borrow books. This raises the question: how do we inspire students to read for pleasure? This is a challenge the language teachers are keen to address.
In late 2024, we organised a book fair that allowed lower secondary students to select new books for the library. As part of the initiative, students on the financial assistance scheme were also gifted a book of their choice. The fair generated enthusiasm among the younger students and underscored the importance of nurturing reading habits early. Research has consistently shown that younger students are more likely to develop lifelong reading habits compared to their senior peers, who are often occupied with academic demands.
Looking Ahead
Mobile book shelves to accommodate a myriad of library activities.
We are excited to deepen our understanding of our students’ reading preferences and to empower them to shape the library’s collection. We would also like to understand their reading habits better and are excited to work with NIE on this. In addition, with the support of our newly minted Reading Ambassadors, we will embark on a series of student-led initiatives, including book recommendations and peer engagement activities.
The transformation of The Horizon represents a new chapter for our school community. With a shared vision and the support of our students and staff, we remain committed to making the library a vibrant hub of collaboration and learning.