SIXTEEN brand new donated laptops will help pupils at a Forest primary school learn skills for the future.

The laptops were presented to teachers and pupils at St John’s CofE Academy in Coleford by social housing provider Stonewater. The organisation recently delivered 62 affordable homes at the town’s Thurstan’s Rise, as part of David Wilson Homes’ 156-home Owen Farm development.

Two laptops will be placed in each class and will be used by pupils across the school aged four to 11 years old.

The St John’s pupils will be using the laptops for a range of educational activities, from typing up pieces of work for displays, to playing educational games and researching information for their topic work on the internet.

The laptops will also provide the children with an opportunity to learn coding.

Headteacher David Le Templier said: “We are thrilled to receive these laptops as they’ll provide such valuable learning opportunities for the children at the school.

“They’ll bring a new sense of excitement to our curriculum and I’m looking forward to seeing the children using them to enhance their IT skills in class.

“A huge thanks to Stonewater and our amazing school PTA for their hard work in securing this donation.”

Stonewater development manager Clare Bray said: “Although children have access to technology at home, it’s essential that they have the skills to use it effectively as a tool which supports and enhances their learning – from researching to mental maths and critical thinking skills.

“As a responsible housing provider, we are committed to giving back to the communities in which we build.

“We are delighted to have been able to donate these laptops to St John’s and hope the children enjoy working on them.”

As well as owning and managing 62 homes in Coleford, Stonewater is currently building 18 affordable homes in Lydney. The organisation runs more than 31,000 homes across England.