Paralympic running champion Oscar Pistorius has opened a sensory room at the Royal School Manchester, which caters for pupils with a range of learning and physical disabilities. The #163;25,000 resource is funded by a partnership between BT and youth sports charity The Lord’s Taverners.

Teams from 11 schools across Greater Manchester came up with ideas to design, manufacture and install eco-friendly power systems at a competition organised by clean technology business ENER-G. Sale Grammar School’s energy-use traffic-light plan bagged first prize, while the team from Buile Hill High School, pictured, came second with its eco-gym scheme.

Fresh-faced 11-year-olds are likely to feel overwhelmed as they arrive at their large new secondary. But Oakmead College of Technology in Bournemouth has overcome that problem by building a “mini” school within its premises. The #163;500,000 transition site was opened by local mayor Beryl Baxter, pictured with pupils.

Pupils show off the new sensory garden at Pinewood School in Ware. The space features three tactile eco-sculptures and is designed to provide an interactive, outdoor experience for young people with autistic spectrum disorders.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School in Lancashire has set up a “Digital Natives Academy” where web-savvy pupils pass on their expertise to peers and staff. Students have also shared their ICT skills with members of the community via the charity Age Concern.