Wolves boss clicks with hi-tech pupils

Wolves chairman Steve Morgan opened a new £600,000 art and computer block at a Wolverhampton school, hailing it as one of the finest in the country.

The new studio, which boasts the latest technology, is set in the woodland area of Penn Hall Special School.

All 80 pupils, who range in age from three to 19, will use the classrooms and an outdoor balcony area for art and technology classes, as well as using the computers to help with their work in other lessons.

After unveiling a commemorative plaque yesterday, Mr Morgan told the Express & Star: "It is very humbling to be here.

"It is fantastic to see the mind-boggling technology on offer here for disadvantaged children.

"This new studio block is an absolutely fantastic asset for both the school and Wolverhampton as a whole.

"I am very proud that this is here in Wolverhampton and I don't think you could better it anywhere in the country."

The dream for the studio first surfaced in 2005 and the building work has taken place over the last 12 months.

The building cost £500,000 to create and is filled with £100,000 of cutting-edge technology.

Headteacher Alun Stoll said the pupils had been enjoying exploring the new rooms and getting to grips with the computers and interactive white boards.

"We have great links with Wolves and it is great to have Steve here," he said.

"It is a fantastic facility and we are very proud of it."

Year 9 student Lukeman Mohammed, aged 14, said: "I love the new ICT room and it was brilliant to meet Steve as I am a Wolves fan."

Diane Clement, ICT co-ordinator, said the computers would be used across the curriculum.

The technology includes a £15,000 "mytobii" device, which allows pupils to operate the computer with their eyes.

During his visit, Mr Morgan also promised some of the students visits to Molineux to watch Wolves in the top flight of English football. Wolves and the Penn Hall school have strong links and Wolves Aid, the club's charity, recently donated a £15,000 specially-adapted bus to the school.

Mr Morgan said: "This new facility will really help improve the education of these children and I've really enjoyed seeing how all the new computers work – it's amazing."

The children had prepared a mural on the ground underneath the new balcony welcoming the entrepreneur to the school.

Gold-and-black balloons were also on display at the entrance to the special school in Vicarage Road.

Children from primary schools in the area also go on regular visits to Penn Hall School.