A FOREST school has become one of just 60 across the world to work with two technology giants in a project “transform teaching and learning.”

Newent School has been selected to receive an advanced ‘Learning Studio’ as part of the Reinvent the Classroom initiative by Hewlett Packard (HP) and Microsoft.

The studio includes a range of hardware and software which HP says will help pupils develop important skills and concepts including design thinking, three dimensional design, and social entrepreneurship.

Newent was chosen for its “commitment to teaching excellence and educational innovation.” The Learning Studio will “deliver new possibilities” for the school’s 650 pupils.

The hardware includes 10 HP convertible notebook computers, a 3D printer and HP’s Sprout platform.

Sprout allows 3D objects to be scanned into the computer, altered on-screen and the new version to be ‘printed’.

The school’s principal, Alan Johnson, said: “Technology is such a huge focus for any school and to be given access to top-of-the-range kit for our students is something that teacher, pupils and parents alike are incredibly excited about.

“We now have the right tools to engage pupils with ICT at an early age, which will give them the best opportunity to develop the skills that they will need to succeed in roles of the future – we cannot wait to get started.”

“We are honoured to have been selected as part of this prestigious global programme dedicated to investing in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills and the future job market in this country.”

Senior HP executive, Neil Sawyer said: “These Learning Studios blend the power of educational technologies and instructional methods to truly revolutionise education by creating adaptive, immersive learning environments that energise teacher and student alike.”

Peter Han, Microsoft’s vice-president of world-wide marketing, added: “With more than 60 state-of-the-art Learning Studios around the world, Microsoft and HP are working to transform the way technology is used to help shape the future of classroom learning.”