Schools a gas for South Tyne pupils

Education’s a gas for pupils in South Tyneside thanks to a gift of 20 laptop computers.

The portable machines from Northern Gas Networks will join a pioneering project to give youngsters an educational boost.

The scheme – known as Target 20 – is being piloted in South Tyneside by Blue Venture, the area’s education business partnership.

The idea is to give youngsters fun educational experiences which will help them develop the skills they will need in the job market.

Project manager Keith Newman said 30 children from three schools in South Tyneside were the first to join the scheme.

“It’s called Target 20 because the youngsters have to meet 20 target objectives which they piece together in on online jigsaw. Information technology skills are obviously a big part of this so these laptops are going to be absolutely vital.”

Blue Venture brings schools together with local businesses to give youngsters worthwhile opportunities outside the classroom. Activities include creating and marketing an art exhibition, eBay trading and a visit to Newcastle University’s state-of-the-art virtual reality suite.

Communications director John O’Grady said: “This is a really exciting scheme to be involved with. We recently renewed our entire IT system and replaced our laptops. However the old machines are still in excellent condition and we thought it would be great to see them put to good use.”

Added Keith: “Not many schools have laptops so this is an incredible resource. When we do activities like e-commerce and word processing they will be invaluable.

“We have great hopes for this scheme. It is only in its first year but already other national organisations are watching it with interest.”

Northern Gas Networks and its partner United Utilities run the gas emergency service in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Cumbria. Anyone who smells gas at any time of the day or night should call free on 0800 111 999.