CHILDREN at Hatherleigh Primary School received a nice present just before Christmas — a brand new state-of-the-art interactive touchscreen.

The school has had the 65-inch screen installed into one of its classrooms to replace an interactive whiteboard and projector. The high definition screen is highly interactive and offers up new opportunities for teachers.

As well as offering benefits like high definition images and no need for daily calibration like the old projector, the screen will use up to 70% less electricity than the projector it has replaced.

Caroline Boother, Hatherleigh Primary's headteacher, said: 'This is part of an ongoing attempt by the school to keep up with new technology.

'We thought we would trial it in one classroom, see how it goes and if it is successful, consider installing such screens in other classrooms.

'This is an exciting, more sustainable resource and it is exciting to try out new equipment like this. We looked at several options when looking to replace the projector in the classroom and this appears the best option.

'The opportunities and functions on it seem limitless, only by the time a teacher can spend working it all out — but I am sure the children will happily help with that!'

Gary Bennett installed the school's screen. He said: 'When you are doing this work it is often schools in London or larger areas that are having these screens fitted, so it is wonderful to see a small rural school like Hatherleigh Primary having one fitted.

'They offer up so many learning opportunities that the older interactive whiteboards just can't. You have no calibrating to do with them each time you use it, there's no glare, no shadowing like on the old projectors, you can use it in a room with the lights on, just crystal clear high definition.

'You can plug a camera in and film what is going on in the classroom and put it on screen, you can connect it to a computer and show video, pictures or presentations and when children interact with it directly it will be more adaptable and flexible for them to use.

'A few years ago, the cost of a screen like this would have been prohibitive to having one installed at a school like this. But as the price comes down, schools will look at these screens and see the opportunities. Hatherleigh Primary is leading the way down here by making the decision to install this screen and has shown itself to be a forward thinking school.'