A number of departments have reading lists for their subject areas and the links below will take you to their book recommendations and suggested reading.

Recommended Reads

Art 

Ways of Seeing by John Berger: This thought-provoking book challenges conventional ways of looking at art and explores the social and political contexts of art production. It's a great introduction to art theory and criticism.

The Story of Art by E.H. Gombrich: This classic text is a more in-depth look at Western art history, covering major movements and artists. It's well-written and engaging, making it accessible to younger readers.

The Art Book by Phaidon: This visually stunning book features hundreds of iconic artworks, with concise explanations and historical context. It's a great reference book for browsing and exploring different art movements and styles.

The Power of Art - Simon Schama. Simon Schama recounts the story of eight moments of high drama in the making of eight artistic masterpieces.

Biology

The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins: A classic exploration of the concept of the gene as the unit of natural selection.

Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond: A provocative look at the history of human societies, focusing on the role of geography and environment.

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking: A mind-bending exploration of the universe, from the Big Bang to black holes.

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson: A groundbreaking work that exposed the dangers of pesticides and inspired the environmental movement.

Chemistry 

KS3

Chemistry for the Gifted and Talented by Tim Jolliff: This book is specifically designed to challenge and engage young, gifted chemists. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic chemistry to more advanced concepts.

The Periodic Table: Its Story and Its Significance by Eric Scerri: This book explores the history and development of the periodic table, offering insights into the fascinating world of elements.

KS4

The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean: This captivating book delves into the history and properties of various elements, making complex chemistry accessible and entertaining.

Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! by Richard Feynman: While not strictly a chemistry book, this autobiography by the Nobel Prize-winning physicist offers insights into the mind of a brilliant scientist and includes fascinating anecdotes about his scientific explorations.

Molecular Biology of the Cell by Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, and Peter Walter: 1 This comprehensive textbook provides a deep dive into the molecular mechanisms of life, including biochemistry and cellular biology.

Computing

The Code Book by Simon Singh: This book explores the history of cryptography, from ancient times to the modern era. It's a fascinating read that covers topics like the Enigma machine and the rise of public-key cryptography.

The Man Who Knew Too Much: Alan Turing and the Breaking of the German Code by David Leavitt: This biography of Alan Turing delves into his life and work, including his crucial role in breaking the Enigma code during World War II.

The Master Switch: The Rise and Fall of Information Empires by Tim Wu: This book examines the history of information technology, from the telegraph to the internet. It explores the impact of technology on society and the role of government regulation.

The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood by James Gleick: This comprehensive history of information explores the evolution of human communication from the earliest cave paintings to the digital age.

Design & Technology

KS3

"Making Things Move: DIY Mechanisms" by Dusty Rhodes: This book introduces basic mechanical principles through fun and engaging projects.

"Inventionary: A Handbook of DIY Creativity" by James DiGiorgio: This book encourages creative thinking and problem-solving through hands-on projects.

KS4

"The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman: This classic explores the principles of design and how they influence our interactions with objects.

"The Art of Innovation: Lessons in Creativity from IDEO" by Tom Kelley: This book provides insights into the design thinking process used by one of the world's leading innovation firms.

"Make: Electronics" by Charles Platt: This book is a great introduction to electronics and circuit design, with practical projects to try.

Drama 

Classical Drama:

• Shakespeare: "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," "Macbeth," "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

• Greek Tragedy: "Oedipus Rex," "Antigone," "Medea"

• Chekhov: "The Cherry Orchard," "Uncle Vanya"

Modern Drama:

• Arthur Miller: "The Crucible," "Death of a Salesman"

• Tennessee Williams: "The Glass Menagerie," "A Streetcar Named Desire"

• August Wilson: "Fences," "The Piano Lesson"

• Harold Pinter: "The Birthday Party," "Betrayal"

• Sarah Kane: "Blasted," "Cleansed" (for older students)

Contemporary Drama:

• Lucy Kirkwood: "Chimerica," "The Children"

• Dennis Kelly: "DNA," "After the Dance"

• Young Vic: Young Vic Writers' Programme: Plays by emerging playwrights

Classic Literature

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: A timeless love story with sharp wit and social commentary.

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë: A passionate and tragic love story set against the backdrop of the English moors.

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: A thought-provoking exploration of the ethics of scientific creation and the nature of humanity.

• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A captivating tale of wealth, love, and the American Dream in the Jazz Age.

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: A coming-of-age story set in the American South during the 1930s, exploring themes of racism and injustice.

Modern and Contemporary Literature

• The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood: A dystopian novel exploring themes of gender, power, and reproductive rights.

• One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez: A magical realist masterpiece spanning generations of a Colombian family.

• Beloved by Toni Morrison: A haunting exploration of the legacy of slavery and its impact on African American families.

• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini: A poignant story of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's tumultuous history.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: A historical fiction novel narrated by Death, exploring themes of courage, resilience, and the power of words.

Fantasy and Science Fiction

• The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien: An epic fantasy adventure exploring themes of good versus evil, friendship, and sacrifice.

• A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin: A complex and morally ambiguous fantasy series set in a medieval-inspired world.

• Dune by Frank Herbert: A science fiction masterpiece exploring themes of ecology, politics, and the human condition.

• Neuromancer by William Gibson: A groundbreaking cyberpunk novel that helped define the genre.

• His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman: A philosophical fantasy series exploring themes of religion, morality, and the nature of reality.

Poetry

• Selected Poems by Emily Dickinson: A collection of introspective and often unconventional poems.

• Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman: A groundbreaking collection of poetry celebrating democracy, individuality, and the American landscape.

• The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot: A modernist masterpiece exploring themes of alienation, loss, and the fragmentation of modern society.

Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and the best way to find books that will resonate with your students is to encourage them to explore their own interests and passions.

Geography 

"Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed" by Jared Diamond: This book examines the factors that have led to the collapse of civilizations throughout history, offering insights into the challenges facing our own society.

"Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared Diamond: This book explores the role of geography, environment, and technology in shaping human history.

Prisoners of Geography - Tim Marshall.In ten chapters and ten maps, Prisoners of Geography looks at the past, present and future to offer an essential insight into one of the major factors that determines world history. If you've ever wondered why Putin is so obsessed with Crimea, why the USA was destined to become a global superpower, or why China's power base continues to expand ever outwards, the answers are all here.

The Earth's Dynamic Systems by Stephen Marshak: This book provides a comprehensive overview of Earth's processes, from plate tectonics to climate change.

Earth: Portrait of a Planet by Donald J. Wuebbles and James K. Angell: This book delves deeper into Earth's systems, including the atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere.

German

For younger readers (11-13):

• "Emil und die Detektive" by Erich Kästner: A classic children's adventure story that is both exciting and humorous.

• "Die kleine Hexe" by Otfried Preußler: A charming tale about a young witch who wants to celebrate Walpurgis Night early.

• "Momo" by Michael Ende: A philosophical fantasy about a mysterious girl who helps people rediscover the value of time.

For older readers (14-18):

• "Der Vorleser" by Bernhard Schlink: A thought-provoking novel about love, guilt, and the consequences of the past.

• "Tintenherz" by Cornelia Funke: A magical fantasy adventure with a unique storytelling concept.

• "Die Tribute von Panem" by Suzanne Collins: The German translation of the popular dystopian series.

• "Der Junge im gestreiften Pyjama" by John Boyne: A heartbreaking historical novel about the Holocaust.

• "Die Physiker" by Friedrich Dürrenmatt: A satirical play that explores the dangers of scientific knowledge.

History

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari: This book explores the entire history of humanity, from our hunter-gatherer ancestors to the modern world.

The Histories by Herodotus: A classic historical text, Herodotus's work offers a fascinating account of the Persian Wars and the cultures of the ancient world.

Rubicon: The Triumph and the Tragedy of the Roman Republic by Tom Holland. This book provides a gripping account of the decline of the Roman Republic, exploring the political turmoil and moral decay that led to the rise of Julius Caesar.

The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan: This book explores the history of the Silk Roads, a network of trade routes that connected East and West for centuries.

A History of the Crusades by Steven Runciman: A classic and comprehensive history of the Crusades, suitable for older students with a strong interest in historical detail.

The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England by Ian Mortimer: A humorous and informative guide to medieval life.

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel: A critically acclaimed historical fiction trilogy that follows the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell.

The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914 by Christopher Clark. This book provides a fascinating and insightful look at the events leading up to the First World War. 

The Second World War by Antony Beevor: A comprehensive and detailed account of the war, perfect for those seeking a deep dive.

Maths 

Introductory Level:

A Mathematician's Apology by G.H. Hardy: A classic that explores the beauty and elegance of mathematics.

The Man Who Loved Only Numbers by Paul Hoffman: A fascinating biography of the eccentric mathematician Paul Erdős.

The Joy of x by Steven Strogatz: An engaging introduction to calculus and its applications.

Intermediate Level:

Fermat's Last Theorem by Simon Singh: A thrilling detective story about the proof of one of the most famous theorems in mathematics.

Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter: A mind-bending exploration of recursion, self-reference, and the nature of intelligence.

Prime Obsession by John Derbyshire: An in-depth look at the Riemann Hypothesis, one of the most important unsolved problems in mathematics.

Music 

The Rest is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century by Alex Ross: A sweeping history of 20th-century classical music, exploring the major composers and movements of the era.

The Lives of the Great Composers by Harold C. Schonberg: A classic introduction to the lives and works of the greatest composers.

The Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory by John Seabrook: This book explores the songwriting process and the music industry, offering insights into how hit songs are created and marketed.

Forever Young: The History of Youth Culture by Douglas Coupland: This book explores the evolution of youth culture and its connection to music, from the Beat Generation to punk and beyond.

Please Please Me: Sixties Pop, British Invasion, and the Birth of Beatlemania by Craig McLean: This book delves into the iconic era of 1960s pop music, focusing on the Beatles and their impact on the music industry.

Philosophy

Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder: This novelistic approach to philosophy introduces young readers to various philosophical concepts through the story of a young girl named Sophie. The best introduction to Philosophy! 

A Little History of Philosophy by Nigel Warburton: This book offers a concise and engaging introduction to the history of philosophy, covering key figures and ideas in a clear and accessible way.

Philosophy for Dummies by Tom Morris: While the title might seem lighthearted, this book provides a comprehensive overview of philosophical concepts and thinkers, making complex ideas approachable for younger readers.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius: A collection of philosophical reflections on life, death, and the nature of the universe.

The Republic by Plato: A classic dialogue exploring justice, ethics, and the ideal state.

Physics

KS3

Physics for Curious Kids: An Illustrated Introduction to Energy, Matter, Forces, and Our Universe! by Chris Ferrie: This book introduces fundamental physics concepts in a fun and engaging way.

How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler by Ryan North: While not strictly a physics book, this humorous book explores various scientific principles through historical inventions.

KS4

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking: This classic explores complex concepts like black holes and the origins of the universe in an accessible way.

The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene: This book delves into the world of string theory and the quest for a unified theory of everything.

Six Easy Pieces by Richard Feynman: This collection of lectures covers fundamental topics like quantum mechanics and gravity.

Psychology

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales by Oliver Sacks: This classic explores fascinating case studies of neurological disorders, offering insights into the complexities of the human brain and mind.

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman: This Nobel Prize-winning work delves into the two systems of thinking – the intuitive and the rational – and how they influence our decisions and judgments.

The Tell-Tale Brain: A Neuroscientist's Quest for What Makes Us Human by V.S. Ramachandran: This book delves into the workings of the human brain, exploring topics such as consciousness, perception, and the nature of reality.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari: While not strictly a psychology book, this exploration of human history offers a fascinating perspective on our cognitive evolution and social behavior.

RE 

The World's Religions by Huston Smith: A classic introduction to the major world religions, exploring their beliefs, practices, and history.

God Delusion by Richard Dawkins: A controversial but thought-provoking exploration of religion and atheism.

The Case for God by Karen Armstrong: A defense of religion and spirituality, arguing that it plays a vital role in human life.

The Screwtape Letters - CS Lewis This profound and striking narrative takes the form of a series of letters from Screwtape, a devil high in the Infernal Civil Service, to his nephew Wormwood, a junior colleague engaged in his first mission on earth trying to secure the damnation of a young man who has just become a Christian.

Spanish 

For younger readers (11-14):

• "La puerta del tiempo" by Carmen Martín Gaite: A captivating historical fiction novel that takes readers on a journey through time.

• "El misterio de la cripta embrujada" by Álex Grijelmo: A thrilling mystery novel that will keep young readers engaged.

For older readers (14-18):

"El laberinto de los espíritus" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón: A complex and atmospheric novel that explores themes of love, loss, and the power of storytelling.

• "La sombra del viento" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón: Another captivating novel by Zafón, set in Barcelona and filled with mystery and intrigue.

• "Cien años de soledad" by Gabriel García Márquez: A masterpiece of magical realism that tells the story of the Buendía family over seven generations.

Sport 

"The Sports Gene: What Makes a Superstar" by David Epstein: This science-based book explores the genetic, environmental, and cultural factors that contribute to athletic excellence.

“Bounce: The Myth of Talent and the Power of Practice, Mathew Syed - What are the real secrets of sporting success, and what lessons do they offer about life? Why doesn’t Tiger Woods “choke”? Two-time Olympian and sports writer and broadcaster Matthew Syed draws on the latest in neuroscience and psychology to uncover the secrets of our top athletes 

Moneyball by Michael Lewis: A fascinating exploration of how the Oakland Athletics used statistical analysis to build a winning team.

Soccernomics by Simon Kuper : This book uses economic theory to analyze the beautiful game, exploring why some teams and countries succeed while others fail. It's a great way to introduce students to economic concepts in a fun and engaging way.