A TOP-performing city school is planning to make maths one of the most popular subjects on the curriculum.

Blessed Edward Oldcorne RC High School, in Timberdine Avenue, has raised £50,000 as part of its bid to become a specialist school in mathematics and computing.

If successful, it will receive massive investment and increased facilities to upgrade teaching quality and services.

The school has also submitted its plan to the Specialist Schools' Trust and will receive feedback this week on its application.

The blueprint highlighted how additional cash would be spent to improve maths and ICT at the school, with the £50,000 raised proving the scheme has community and business support.

"The school is extremely grateful for the support of local businesses, charities, friends, parents and pupils who have all contributed to the sum of money required," said principal Sean Devlin.

"It will be a major asset to enable the school not only to promote mathematics and computing but to drive up even further the excellent academic performance of the school."

And Mr Devlin believes attaining specialist status in these two areas is crucial for continuing the school's academic ascent.

"Within the local authority there are specialist technology colleges, performing arts schools and sports centres, but none that I'm aware of excel in maths and ICT," he said.

"ICT and communications are so important for young people who are looking for employment after school, and we make sure that all our Year 11 students leave with a qualification in computers.

"As far as I'm concerned maths is one of the key subject areas for young people - it helps understanding and numeracy which is crucial throughout their life. I believe maths and ICT drives learning in all other subjects."

The school will now submit its bid to the DfES in October and a final announcement will be made in March 2004.