A secondary school's new head teacher is looking forward to seeing through its bid for specialist status.

Elaine Shoesmith, 46, took over from Helen Lynch at Nab Wood School in Cottingley at the beginning of the autumn term.

Mrs Shoesmith, who lives in Bingley, previously spent five years as deputy head teacher at Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College.

She said her key goals included gaining specialist school status in humanities - English, religious education and history.

"We are in the process of submitting the bid and are encouraged by our very good humanities results this year," said Mrs Shoesmith.

"When we achieve specialist school status we have lots of plans to enhance and develop the curriculum in humanities and English."

Mrs Shoesmith said staff and pupils were also looking forward to an appearance on the silver screen.

In July, the school organised an adventure day during which pupils followed a treasure trail around Yorkshire, completing a series of activities - including rock climbing, a mini-quest at Bolton Abbey and a journey on the Worth Valley railway - along the way.

A film company filmed many of the pupils and the results are to premiere at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television later this term.

Mrs Shoesmith said she believed Nab Wood pupils could play an important part in the rebirth of the city.

"I have lived in Bradford for 24 years and have seen some of the changes within the city," she said.

"I feel that the current regeneration programme will encourage the city to once again become a vibrant and lively place which has even more to offer young people.

"I wanted to work at Nab Wood because, like the city, I feel the school has a lot of potential."

A refurbishment programme is to begin this year. "The outside of the school is going to be painted and we are improving the perimeter fencing," said Mrs Shoesmith.

"We have redecorated and furnished some of the classrooms and the staff areas and I am negotiating with our post-16 students to improve the facilities they use."

Mrs Shoesmith said the school was to review its curriculum with a view to broadening its range of courses at GCSE and post-16.

Year 6 pupils and their families are invited to visit the school tomorrow at 5.30pm to meet Mrs Shoesmith and look round the school.

Call the school on (01274) 567281 to find out more.

e-mail: dan.webber@bradford.newsquest.co.uk