OAKBANK School pupils are about to start learning their times tables with a little help from the irresistible rhythms and sounds of full-on rock music!

From next week onwards (Sept 22) year seven pupils will begin taking part in TT Rock stars, a specially designed programme to help make this form of learning both fun and highly effective.

Progress manager for year seven Linda Askham said a pair of staff from Oakbank had seen TT Rock stars in action at another school, and were so impressed they suggested it be implemented at Oakbank.

She explained: "Today's kids now learn while listening to music, rather than in silence, and this is something which takes advantage of that. It is meant for this generation.

"The pupils will be doing TT Rock stars three times a week, reciting their times tables to the sound of rock music. Each pupil gets ranked and is given their own 'rock star name'

"The faster they can recite the higher they are placed on the rankings.

"They'll even be allowed to bring their own rock star wigs in, and the staff will also be wearing wigs and rock star glasses.

"We really want to enthuse the kids. It'll last for 11 weeks and will culminate on the last week of term with a celebration of the results and prizes.

"We're going hell for leather with it, and the teachers are very engaged."