A CAMPAIGN is well underway to raise £20,000 for a new ICT suite for Fordingbridge Junior and Infant Schools Federation.

The PTA has been busy fundraising and so far £6,500 has been raised towards the ICT equipment. It has also been looking into grants.

A spokesperson for the PTA said: “The schools IT suite is in desperate need of updating and rejuvenation. Our current equipment is under constant repair and no longer fit for purpose.

“The children are growing up in a technology heavy world and we know that it is important for them to have access to it to improve their learning, but also to have the chance to learn how to use it safely.”

On June 19, it held a sponsored litter pick with support from New Forest District Council, who provided litter pickers and high vis vests, plus bin bags and advice. Fordingbridge Greener Living also provided litter picking equipment to support the event.

PTA Chair Debra Coles said: “To be able to raise much needed funds for updating the Federation ICT resources and help to keep our community clean has been wonderful, and a huge and successful team effort which we are all very proud of. “

Litter was picked from all over the Fordingbridge area, including the villages of Hyde, Godshill, Sandleheath, Rockbourne, Alderholt and even Verwood, as well as the New Forest National Park.

The PTA want to hold similar events in the future and hope to have raised more than £450.

It recently funded a history wall for the playground and also provides money for new book bags for all the new starters in September and new PE bags for the children moving into Year 3.

As part of its ICT fundraising efforts, the PTA is looking to raise money for 32 iPads for the schools.

Executive head teacher Kim Robertson said: “Access to computers is important within the entire curriculum. Mobile devices such as iPads ensure children can; research, film each others performances in PE and music and peer assess, create animations, develop functional programming skills, support DT projects and many more, from beyond the ICT suite. These 32 iPads would be used extensively to enhance the curriculum.”

To donate visitL pta-events.co.uk/fordingbridgefedpta

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