Lessons in mathematics are not what they used to be.

Alongside pencils, rubbers, protractors and rulers pupils at Castle Hill primary school in Folkestone also have hand-held Nintendo game consoles to help improve their mental agility.

Children in Years four, five and six are using them with a Brain Training game, as recent studies have shown they can help improve problem solving skills.

Pupils have 10 minutes a day on the gadgets and work through a series of puzzles. At the end of their session the game calculates their brain age.

The puzzles range from simple maths questions to spot the difference, memory games and comprehension.

Sue Parsons, business manager at the school, said: “This approach is a fun way for the children to improve both their literacy and numeracy skills.”