FAIRFORD Primary School raced to raise money for a whole classroom of IPads during its summer sports day last week.

The school is abandoning its ICT suite in favour of more advanced and exciting technology as parents and teachers try and raise the funds to buy enough IPads for a classroom of children.

Headteacher Julie Fellows said she wants to make learning as exciting and engaging as possible: "We have to try and engage all children and get them into their work. For example, with some children, reading has to be nurtured. Having IPads makes reading seem more fun to them."

"We hope by next year to have the equivalent of one class of IPads so teachers can book them out and everyone in a class can use one."

The school's Parent Teacher Association (PTA) worked hard on sports day to raise money by selling hot lunches, ice creams and cold drinks.

Mrs Fellows said the day as a whole had been wonderful: "It's been such a lovely atmosphere and great to have it as a whole day event when in recent years it's only lasted two or three hours."

"We have a qualified P.E teacher now and the events children have been able to participate in are far greater than recent years," she continued. "It's all about taking part."

Fairford Primary School raised just under £300 on sports day, enough to purchase another IPad. Member of the school's PTA Marie Thompson said she was so pleased to have raised so much.

"Watch this space for other fundraising events at Fairford Primary as we are still trying to raise enough money for another 20 IPads."

To donate to the school call 01285 712543.