A PRIMARY school teacher is hoping for success in the finals of the national Teaching Awards.

Helen Barker, who teaches seven- and eight-year-olds at Appleton Primary School, in Church Road, has been picked as one of three southern England finalists for the BECTA Next Generation Award.

The award celebrates teachers who use technology creatively to inspire and engage pupils.

Ms Barker said: “It’s an absolute honour, especially as I’m very new to teaching. It’s lovely to be appreciated.

“I think I try to make sure that information and communication technology (ICT) is part of everything we do, where it’s appropriate.

“The parents like it as I have a blog that they can see what we are learning in the class. It makes what I am doing in class transparent for them.”

Ms Barker, who is in her second year of teaching, has helped pupils to create a class blog which is accessible to parents at home. The blog features recordings of music and poetry recitals, photographs of the children’s work and examples of their writing.

She also ensures pupils have hands-on use of technology, using videos, cartoons and animations in their language and literacy learning.

Headteacher Mary Watts said: “Helen has used her background in IT to raise the bar of what can be achieved by the next generation of children.

“Her inspirational use of technology to enhance children’s learning was highlighted during our Ofsted inspection last June in which the school was judged outstanding.”

Judges will now visit the school to talk to Ms Barker and see the school’s teaching in action.

The winner will be announced in June at a dinner in Winchester’s Guildhall. The regional finalist will then go on to the National Awards later in the year.

County councillor Michael Waine, cabinet member for schools improvement, said: “My congratulations to Helen on becoming a finalist for this highly-coveted award.

“We are really thrilled that an Oxfordshire teacher has been recognised in this way and perhaps will go on to be the national winner.”

abingdon@oxfordmail.co.uk