Cyber teacher is out of this world

Manchester Evening News

DEADLY foes of Doctor Who have become unlikely allies to learning at a north Manchester school.

Staff and pupils at St Wilfrid's C of E Primary School in Newton Heath are celebrating after Ofsted rated it 'outstanding' in all areas.

It comes after the school took a bold approach to learning by using toys like the Doctor Who Cyberman Voice Changer helmet to excite pupils.

The Cybermen have been known to Doctor Who fans as sworn enemies of mankind since the 1960s.

At St Wilfrid's year one teacher Debbie Lawton dons the spin-off gadget - which was one of last year's most popular toys - and gives youngster's instructions in an eerie, robotic voice.

The use of the helmet fits into a 'space cadets' theme that has 'mesmerised' the six-year-olds, headteacher Diane Rycroft told the MEN.

Mirrors, light boxes and fluorescent tubing have been artfully arranged to create a cosmic effect in the classroom. The class teacher uses voice recorders shaped like 'alien eyes' to record group objectives for lessons.