PUPILS with special needs have received a boost to help them with their communication skills.

Abbey Hills School and Technology College, in Stockton, has been given £1,000, a treasure chest including a DVD player, a full set of communication skills resources and a BT drama workshop in their school, all amounting to £3,000.

The school was one of 200 winners chosen from more than 750 entries in the BT Schools Award after it demonstrated a commitment to putting speaking and listening at the heart of education, and promoting excellent communication skills within the classroom and its community.

Abbey Hills was selected because it integrates communication skills in all of its lesson plans. Through group work, drama activities, reading aloud and class discussions, children are taught crucial speaking and listening skills.

The head of English at the school, Rebecca Jenkins, said: "We simply told BT what we do to improve communication.

"We work with students who have poor communication skills by using signing and visual aids, and it plays a large part in what we do.

"We were delighted to get an award. We don't know yet what we will spend the money on, but it will enhance the communication faculty for the students."

Dave Hancock, head of BT education and volunteering, said: "I would like to congratulate all the schools taking part in these awards.

"It is great to see that schools across the country are demonstrating a commitment to improving the communication skills of their pupils and are actively seeking opportunities to promote best practice in speaking and listening."