Dylan Mackey and Stephen Wheatley, Fore Primary School, with the computer netbook and protective schoolbag they will be using in September when they join the other first years at Castlepollard Community College.

Sore backs a thing of the past for 'Pollard students

Published: Fri 8 Jul 2011, 9:30 AM

One of the biggest criticisms from parents whose offspring have just entered secondary school is the weight of their schoolbags, but in Castlepollard, at least, it looks as if this particular complaint will be a thing of the past come next September.For the first time in the school's history, first year students entering Castlepollard Community College this autumn will be given a notebook, or small laptop computer, with 90% of their text books on it.The students, who will also be supplied with a specially designed schoolbag with a protective pouch for the notebook, will use the digital books in the classroom and at home.More in this week's paper...