The virtual learning environment, or VLE, allows children to do work such as writing, art or quizzes at a computer in the school and then to finish it off at home, on their own or with the help of parents.

Children at the school are said to have taken a new interest in their school work and are becoming more actively involved in doing their homework because of the introduction of computers and the internet.

The office of head teacher, Bob Green, is adorned with the work children have done as part of VLE, which he said is always a talking point for people who enter the office.

He said: "The virtual learning environment is giving the children opportunities and it enables them to get fully involved, giving them ownership of their work which is then exhibited in school to demonstrate to their parents, visitors and advisors. It's a very exciting development."

"It operates as a closed network and is password protected, but at a very basic level children can do work within this VLE at school and at home."

"We are very lucky because all of our children do have access to a computer, but if mum or dad are always on it they can still go for extra time in the IT suites at school, but on the whole these children have access and I would think many of them can get to more than one computer."

In July 2006 the school was accredited with an Arts Mark, which Mr Green believes was achieved, in part, because of the work carried out with the VLE.

He added: "It's a real motivator for children and they are keen because we can see that as soon as they get home a lot of them are keen to get on the VLE and get on with their work and then send it back.

"We've got a very well motivated IT co-ordinator called Emily Pool and she likes working with leading edge technology, which is great because you have to have staff who are really committed or it wouldn't happen.

"I also have advanced skills teacher, Katie Bownes who is also well motivated to the VLE and her specialism is technology but she's also into art."

Ian Usher, e-learning co-ordinator at Bucks County Council, said: "The virtual learning environment is being offered for free to every local authority school in Buckinghamshire, both primary and secondary. We have nearly 80 schools signed up so far but aim to have all schools on board by Spring 2008 in line with government targets.

"It's been extremely well received by pupils who say the website gives them lots of ideas for their homework plus they can often hand in their work before the due date.
"It's an excellent tool to support teaching and learning."
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