MONMOUTH Comprehensive classes have gone live with laptops as part of a pioneering £14 million Digital Learning Project.

Along with a Torfaen school, the Monmouth school is one of the first to pilot a new Welsh Government-backed learning management system and receive laptops for all pupils aged 14-16.

The target is to have laptops, broadband access and the system in all eleven Torfaen and Monmouthshire secondary schools before the end of the summer term.

The introduction of innovative learning technologies will support aspirations to raise student attainment levels at key stage 4.

The initial investment will be spent on the eleven secondary schools in the two counties to develop schools' ICT infrastructure onto a common, future-proof platform and ensure every pupil has access to digital learning via a laptop.

The innovative project will see:

•Teachers being able to digitally access classroom resources such as lesson plans and learning materials, enabling them to digitally share best practice and innovation;

•Parents having secure online access to their children's education resources and performance as well as coursework and learning materials;

•All 14-16 pupils having access to digital learning anytime, anywhere and ultimately having their own wireless laptops;

•A single Learning Management System where ideas, innovation and expertise can be freely accessed and shared so that teachers can develop digital professional learning communities.

Councillor Liz Hacket-Pain, Monmouthshire's cabinet member for children and young people's pervices, added: "A project team is in place to support schools using the new technologies and this is a very exciting opportunity for all 14 to 16 year-olds in Torfaen and Monmouthshire."

A dedicated project website has been set up which will also provide information for parents, teachers and students. This website has a blog which is regularly updated with project progress.

The digital learning project is jointly funded by the Welsh Government and the participating local authorities. Following an extensive tender process, the contract for the learning management system has been awarded to Swansea based firm CDSM.

For more information contact project manager Karen Padfield on 01633 647341 or email Karen. [email protected]">[email protected]