Broadband technology is helping transform lessons at a school in Abingdon.

The Internet is as big an educational breakthrough for the 800 pupils at Abingdon School as calculators were for their parents.

It has opened up a world of possibilities, allowing language students to browse through international newspapers while those studying geography can examine weather patterns or watch a volcano erupting.

Overseas boarders at the school can also keep in touch with family and friends by using e-mail. Staff can keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the National Curriculum and research teaching material.

The system uses a wireless microwave connection, provided by Oxfordshire-based telecoms operator Zipcom.

David Haynes, head of information communication technology, said the two megabyte per second system can be accessed by up to 250 pupils at any one time.

He said: "The Internet provides a pool of information for research or use in the classroom."

Teachers can project material on to large-format computer screens to illustrate lessons, while pupils follow on laptop computers.

There is also an intranet system to send internal communications.

In the modern languages department, 25 wire-free laptops operate through a radio link to a central trolley, which is hooked up to the school network.

Such a system would not have been possible even a few years ago.

Mr Haynes added: "If we had stuck with modems, we would never have been able to support so many users."