Leatherhead (September 8, 2006) -- Learning has become more hands on this new academic year at Barnett Wood Infant School with the help of a new interactive whiteboard thanks to £1,000 from ExxonMobil.

The money was provided through the ExxonMobil Link Schools programme, which supports 49 schools around the country, in locations where the company has operating facilities or offices.

Each academic year ExxonMobil provides all its link schools with a Science Equipment Grant, which the schools can spend on equipment to enhance the teaching of science, math or technology. Barnett Wood decided to spend this year's grant on the interactive whiteboard as it will benefit all subject areas.

Norma Penny, headteacher at Barnett Wood Infant School, said: "The ongoing support we receive from ExxonMobil is having a real impact on the teaching and learning at the school. Staff and pupils are enjoying the new technology. My vision for the school has been made possible thanks to the support and money from ExxonMobil."

Denice Fennell, Community Affairs manager at ExxonMobil, visited the school to see the whiteboard in action and commented: "We are delighted to be able to help the school obtain equipment that is of real benefit across a wide range of subjects." She added, "It is great to see such young children working confidently with this type of technology."

Notes to editors
An interactive whiteboard works as a large computer screen which can be controlled by a pointer, or finger, to write on the board or control computer programmes. It is effectively the link between a computer, DVD or CD-ROM, projector and the whiteboard itself, that allows many children to benefit from its use at one time owing to its user-friendly size.