WORCESTER'S Christopher Whitehead High School may face an uncertain future about whether it stays in St John's or is rebuilt on the outskirts of the city but, in one respect, it's full of confidence and moving into a brave new world.

The school's intention to develop information and communications technology will speed ahead in September when its pupils are due to be registered electronically.

And, in what appears to be a groundbreaking move, teachers will be marking work on-line.

According to deputy head Andy Shaw, the system means pupils can do their homework and submit it by computer. Teachers can then mark it and pupils can discover how they have done "before the end of the night".

Such instant feedback will do nothing but help youngsters in their studies, and the school deserves much praise for its approach to new technology.

It has 250 computers and has made information technology the backbone running through all lessons.

In a world where the ability to use the latest technology plays an ever-increasing part in students finding the right job to suit them, this is the philosophy that all schools will have to bring to its use.

The good news is that our primary schools are introducing youngsters to computer skills at an early age, our junior schools are pressing on with their use, and our secondary schools are making sure students are able to use technology to express themselves to the best of their ability.