Fawley (2 March 2007) -- A high tech way of learning, which engages children of all ages and abilities, is proving a popular addition with the youngest children at one New Forest school.

The reception class at Manor Infant School in Hardley has taken delivery of a new interactive computer-linked whiteboard which was bought partly with a grant of £1,000 from Esso and ExxonMobil Chemical at Fawley.

Headteacher, Gill Hamer, says: “An interactive whiteboard is particularly good for work with this age group, as it gives the little ones opportunity to work as a large group with a computer screen. Even at the age of four or five, children nowadays are highly competent when it comes to computers and the equipment was really valuable during a recent Maths week.”

Gill went on to explain that this is the third interactive whiteboard to be bought following grants from ExxonMobil, in as many years.

She adds: “This is the best whiteboard yet as it is linked to the internet, giving access to a range of new learning platforms which stimulate and encourage learning.”

A separate grant of £500 from the company has also gone to buy new book bags with reflective safety strips for each of the 77 children at the school. As well as a practical way of carrying books, the reflective strips enable motorists to see children better on cold, dark mornings.

The ExxonMobil Link Schools Programme provides science equipment grants, assistance in improving the school environment and curriculum resources to almost 40 schools based around its main areas of employment.

ExxonMobil is committed to being a good neighbour and the programme improves the links between the company and the community.