The head of the office technology department, Corren Griffiths, persuaded 68 out of 230 students to enter the initial text processing examination held by the OCR examining board. “My son did the exam when he was 11, so I knew it could be done and I laid down the challenge. I wanted the students to learn to touch-type because it’s a huge benefit when using computers, but it has also given them confidence with the written word and has enhanced their literacy skills overall,” says Mrs Griffiths.

Because of limited time and lack of machines, the students had to carry out much of the preparation for the exam in their spare time.

But they were rewarded for their efforts as they all passed, with 65 gaining distinctions.

Mrs Griffiths says the achievement merited some recognition, and a phone call to OCR led to a sponsorship deal. “It is a testimony to the commitment of these children and their parents that they were determined to sit this exam.

“No other school in Wales or England has entered so many children in one sitting at this age range.” The school has been given pound;500 from OCR to encourage good practice.

Yolanda Brooks yolanda.brooks@tes.co.uk