SNOW might have forced the closure of the school building, but thanks to the wonders of modern technology, that didn’t stop pupils at Heathfield primary school taking part in lessons.

For the school was “virtually” open and classes took place as usual despite staff and children being unable to get into the building.

Children at other schools were able to log on to their school websites and be given work posted by teachers.

But staff at Heathfield, in Henniker Road, off St Helens Road, ensured their pupils were able to take part in fully-fledged lessons.

So determined was deputy headteacher David Mitchell that children’s schoolwork should not suffer because of the bad weather he contacted his Twitter network to see how modern technology could be used to set up a virtual classroom.

And throughout the week youngsters have been sitting in front of their computer at home, taking part in interactive lessons using an internet programme on the school’s website where pupils and teachers can work together wherever they might be.

Most schools have what is known as a virtual learning environment on their website where teachers can post work but Mr Mitchell wanted to take it one step further and make it interactive.

Children, aged four to 11-years-old, from the school logged on to lessons.

Lessons were also tailored for different classes. Year six took part in an online “live” maths lessons in which pupils took measurements of snow and a literacy lesson also took place — which included a discussion on the weather.

Mr Mitchell said: “We had 20 out of 30 children in Year 6 online throughout that session. Although Heathfield Primary School was closed, it was one of the very few in the country that was 'virtually' open.”

Reception class shared what they did over what has now become an extended Christmas break.

Mr Mitchell said: “As far as I am aware, we are the first school in Bolton to be doing such projects.

“At one point, we had six teachers including the headteacher online discussing the project at 9pm on Tuesday night.”

Mr Mitchell says he has had interest from other schools about setting up a 21st century classroom.

Pupil Katie Litherland, aged 11, said: “School closed, however top teacher Mr Mitchell set up an online classroom so children can have fun learning.

“I have learnt a lot and we have still had fun in the snow because we have had to go out and take measurements for our lessons.”