PENRITH’S North Lakes School launched its new interactive website this week.

The site was built by Primarysite.net,guided and co-ordinated by subject leader Martyn Soulsby. It will be used by parents, children, staff and the whole school community.

The children were encouraged to give their own ideas and, together with their teachers and school administrative staff, they will be keeping everyone informed of the opportunities they have at North Lakes.

The site will give children the chance to learn from home and parents will be able to find up-to-date information on events, as well as viewing videos and photographs of school life.

As a Creative Partnerships Change School, and an Artsmark gold award-winner, North Lakes is seeking to involve parents fully in some exciting learning activities and prospective parents will be able to log on and get a taste of what life is like at the school.

The website will also help to create a greener school, as it will reduce the amount of paper used, as parents will be able to read most items on-line.

Headteacher Mike Pincombe said: “We planned a website that is child-friendly and child-centred, informative for parents and a one-stop shop for all school information. This website is exciting, interactive and will help us to be more environmentally friendly.”

The site will be used for learning, celebration and communication. The Sing Up platinum award-winning school also has a section dedicated to singing, with links to songbanks, which are easily accessible to all at home and school. There will also be a secure section for pupils and staff to upload their own information.

After a special celebratory assembly, during which Mr. Soulsby introduced the new site, the children spent time exploring www. northlakes.cumbria.sch.uk, looking at the contributions made by themselves and their classmates.

Parents and students are equally impressed by the new venture. Benjamin Jones, a year six pupil, said: “The new website is awesome! It’s fun, it gives you updates on everything that is happening and is very helpful with your learning. It’s so worth visiting!” Parent Judith Blaylock said: “I think this site is very good because it is very helpful, gives good information and it is nicely coloured and very cheerful.”

RIGHT: Some of the pupils showing the new website.