Staff and pupils from Maes Yr Haul Primary School have beaten off competition from more than 150 schools across the country to make the shortlist for Becta’s national ICT Excellence Awards.

Becta, the government agency leading the use of technology in learning, organises the awards which recognise and reward those schools that have shown how technology can be imaginatively used to enhance lessons and school life. This year, with an increased number of entries and a noticeably higher standard across the board, judging has been particularly tough. Despite the stiff competition, Maes Yr Haul Primary School managed to impress the judges by showcasing their ideas and methods of incorporating technology into the heart of school life. Niel McLean, Becta’s executive director for institutional workforce and development, explained: “It is wonderfully inspiring to see the enthusiasm which Maes Yr Haul Primary School has invested into putting technology at the core of their everyday activities.

“It certainly is the way forward and I’m sure the school as a community – its teachers, learners, parents and governors - will benefit from the rewards that technology can bring to education, whether that’s through interactive whiteboards, blogging and messaging facilities or podcasting.”

We are thrilled to have been shortlisted; it is a fitting reflection of the dedication shown by all our staff and pupils in ensuring that we are a true 21st century school. The school will find out how it fares against the other shortlisted schools at the awards ceremony in Sheffield on 6th November.