Technology boost (From Penarth Times)

Technology boost

FIVE Penarth schools have become the proud new owners of state-of-the-art technology thanks to Tesco.

Alun Michael, MP for Cardiff South and Penarth, presented computer equipment at a special reception in the branch in the town's marina last Friday.

The schools took part in the "Computers for Schools" scheme, where shoppers are given vouchers for every 10 they spend with Tesco. When passed on to teachers, these coupons can be exchanged for new computer equipment for the classrooms.

Schools across Penarth collected vouchers worth 16,000 for new computer equipment which includes PCs, laptops, digital microscopes and scanners.

To mark this achievement, five schools were picked to attend the presentation; Ashgrove, Bute Cottage Nursery, Fairfield Primary, Ysgol Erw'r Delyn and Ysgol Pen Y Garth.

Alun Michael commented: "It is a tribute to the dedication of the children of these schools, and their parents, friends and family, that they have collected these vouchers and used them to help improve their facilities."

Ashgrove School sent head teacher Mr Brian Brayford, along with pupils Robert Britton and Matthew Thyer to receive their equipment. The school saved enough vouchers for nine digital cameras, which will be used for the pupils' coursework and when they go out and about in the community.

Lucy Collins, Adam Tucker, Harriet Crabtree and Lloyd Allen from Fairfield Primary School were presented with a PC, which will be used to teach Reception class pupils ICT skills, and software to support the teaching of History and Design Technology.