A SCHEME which uses the latest computer technology to improve the maths skills of Bradford pupils has been praised by schools across Yorkshire.

The Weird to Wired project sees staff trained to make use of equipment like iPads and has now been running for two years.

In Bradford the EU-funded project involves Parkside School in Cullingworth and Bradford College, and is being carried out in conjunction with Cornelius College in Rotterdam.

Initial findings show that by using technology students are much more engaged in maths, a subject in which the average results of Bradford pupils lag behind the national average.

There was a celebration event to mark the achievement of the project at the Innovation Centre in Little Germany, Bradford, yesterday, where teachers at schools across Yorkshire attended to see how the project has transformed maths lessons for pupils.

Vanessa Wears, secondary teaching and learning consultant for Bradford Council, has run the project, and said those attending yesterday were impressed.

She said: "We had the head of maths at Skipton High School here who said the project was very exciting. We also had schools from Sheffield and Leeds here.

"The point of the project was to get teachers to be able to use iPads in the classroom. For the teachers and pupils involved in the project this will now be a normal part of teaching. We want as many schools as possible to get involved in this.

"We are awaiting the final report findings, but the interim evaluation at the end of its first year has shown that the vast majority of pupils find these lessons a lot more fun and interesting than they did before."

Mrs Wears said they regularly shared ideas about how to make the most of the project with the Rotterdam school, and teachers had visited Bradford several times over the course of the project.

Although the technology is new to many of the teachers taking part in the project, Mrs Wears said it was not new to students, many of whom will have grown up using the gadgets.

Michael Jameson, Bradford Council's strategic director of children’s services, said: "This project is a great way of engaging our pupils in maths, using devices and technologies which are part of their every day lives.

"Most students are familiar with iPads, so if their learning in maths can be enhanced by using them it can only aid them in their development and provide them with skills for the future.”

Councillor Ralph Berry, the executive member for children’s services, said: "Any project or way of working which increases young people’s knowledge, learning and understanding is to be applauded. It is also great that teachers from Holland will be part of this event”