MORE than 50 guests from local schools, colleges, businesses and other groups have been invited to a breakfast meeting to officially launch the first specialist school in Pendle.

Mansfield High School, Brierfield, will be designated a technology college at the start of the new school year on August 12.

But staff are organising the launch on May 8 at the Oaks Hotel, Reedley, to set out the aims and objectives of the technology college and to outline plans for an advisory board, which is expected to include local business people.

The board will meet once a term to advise the school governors on shaping the curriculum, establishing business links further and outlining career opportunities for pupils.

The school was awarded technology college status earlier this year. It means more investment will be poured into teaching technology subjects such as maths, design and computer studies, but not at the expense of other subjects.

Artwork and technology work will be on display at the launch and one of the speakers will be student Mark Turner, who will talk about his experiences at a recent national competition to design a robotic mouse.

Head teacher Ernie Pickup said: "I am delighted with the response to this prestigious event, which will help forge stronger links and ensure the future success of the school."

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