A state-of-the-art college in Bradford is to give gifted youngsters an opportunity to shine after being unveiled today as one of the country's first specialist centres for learning.

From September Dixons City Technology College will offer twilight masterclasses in information technology for 16 of the district's brightest 10 and 11-year-olds.

The hi-tech course in 'telematics', which includes modules on using the Internet, how to design a website and video conferencing, will give youngsters a chance to develop their talents, up to two years ahead of their peers.

Pupils will be drawn from Laisterdyke Middle School, Ryan Middle School, Wibsey Middle School and Mandale Middle School. A teacher from each school will also attend.

Dixons CTC, which opened in 1990, is one of only ten masterclass pilot projects chosen by Education Minister Estelle Morris.

Today's announcement is another major boost for the independent college, which has a reputation for being at the forefront of modern teaching.

It was the first school in Bradford to open a virtual classroom using digital whiteboards, the Internet and video conferencing equipment. And it plans to create a lifelong learning, teaching and research centre with the aid of a £75,000 pledge from the Department for Education.

Principal John Lewis said: "We're very pleased to have been chosen as one of the pilot projects. This specialist programme of learning is an excellent way of sharing our facilities and expertise with the community."

The specialist teaching sessions will be held after normal school hours, once or twice a week. And it is hoped children and members of staff attending the course will then use their new knowledge to educate classmates at their own schools.

Although initially a one-year-scheme, funding for the pilot project will come in the shape of a maximum £20,000 Government grant over two years.

Estelle Morris said: "This programme allows schools and pupils to play to their strengths. We are looking to these schools to offer support in their specialist subjects for gifted and talented children."

The creation of ten masterclasses and a further 51 specialist schools, taking the total to 330, represents another aspect of the drive by the Government to "modernise" the education system. By the year 2002, the Government has pledged there will be 450 specialist schools, one in seven in the country.

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