A SCHOOL is hoping that a presentation ceremony this evening will highlight its bid to become a technology centre.

Bydales School, in Marske, is preparing to submit a bid to the Government to be awarded specialist technology college status, which means that it will have more money to develop the science and technology areas of the school curriculum.

Tonight, pupils are hoping that a series of presentations will encourage local businesses and dignitaries to support its ambitions.

The presentations will be about environmental issues, young entrepreneurs and the school's participation in international newspaper day.

Headteacher Tony Hobbs said: "If we are successful, not only will it allow us to improve our facilities in particular areas of the curriculum but we will have a lot more money - just over £500,000 over the next four years. We also have to submit a plan of how it would benefit the wider community."

However, he said the school now had to start a fundraising campaign to acquire £50,000 to start the bidding process, but added that 40 per cent of this had come from the Tees Valley Tec, with further help coming from Hunstman, at Wilton."

He said the school's emphasis on technology and science would also benefit students who were more focussed towards arts and humanities.

"If we are setting targets to raise attainment and develop the curriculum, everybody's aspirations should be raised and hopefully it will stimulate a greater interest in these areas. Some pupils do find science and technology less interesting and hopefully it will motivate them, but we don't want to marginalise other areas.

"We want to develop all learning through the use of technology, closely matched to pupils abilities and needs," he said.