Hi-tech boost for school science unit

Ofsted said South Bersted Church of England Primary School needed to improve the department after a recent inspection and so headteacher Jenny Lelliot wrote to Candis magazine.

After seeing its application, the women's magazine awarded the school 1,000 as part of its Schools' Award scheme.

This allowed the school, at Church Lane, to pay for four top-notch USB microscopes.

'I've been a Candis reader for nearly 12 years now and recently the magazine started a schools' awards scheme. I was delighted to be successful,' said the headteacher.

'The microscopes will plug into a computer so the images can be projected onto a screen for the whole group or class to see. There's no more queueing up to peer through a tiny lens to see the magnified item. It can be projected instantly.'

A recent Ofsted inspection highlighted a need to develop investigative science at the school.

In response, the school identified that high-tech microscopes would benefit all of the 212 four to 11-year-old pupils.

They are now being put to good use in the school's conservation area, containing a pond full of wildlife.

The magazine's Schools' Award scheme is aimed at innovative projects at primary or secondary schools which are nominated by Candis readers.

Candis editor, Debbie Attewell, said: 'Encouraging children to be interested in science at a young age is very important and these microscopes sound like a fun and helpful way of doing just that.

'We're pleased to be able to help the school directly in an area highlighted by Ofsted as requiring development.

'Our Schools' Award programme is a way of rewarding our loyal readers by giving something back to their local primary or secondary school.'

Candis sets aside ten per cent of its sales income to support community initiatives and health charities across the UK, including up to 8,000 each month for local projects nominated by readers.

Candis has given away more than 51m to charities since the magazine was launched in 1962.

For details about how to subscribe to Candis and to nominate a good cause or school, visit www.candis.co.uk.