WHEN it comes to innovation in the classroom, Gwent teacher Kate Norman is top of the class.

Ms Norman, 30, deputy head-teacher at St Illtyd's Primary School, Llanhill-eth, won the Microsoft award for being the most innovative teacher in Britain because of her creative use of computers in the classroom.

Ms Norman's pupils made plasticine models, took photos of them in various positions and then played them at speed to create animations. They acted out plays, and created a road safety video.

She has been rewarded with a tablet PC and a wide range of software to assist with teaching at the school.

Ms Norman is now heading off to Sweden to compete for the title of world's most innovative teacher, part of the Microsoft Innovative Teachers programme.

Ms Norman, who has been teaching for eight years, said: "I was thrilled to hear I had won. It's a big boost for us as we are a new school and it will really help build up our reputation."

The state-of-the-art school opened last September as part of the £9m community regeneration scheme for Llanhilleth, replacing Brynhyfryd Primary School and Ty'r Graig Primary School. It now has 220 pupils. Ms Norman said: "When they heard I was going to Sweden the children were very excited and we had to get out the map and show them where it was.

"They have learnt all about the Swedish Royals, and maybe Sweden will be our next animation project.

"The children use the animations in all their classes and they get very involved in the projects. They come in with their own ideas, and are all now very computer literate."

Since receiving her award Ms Norman has been invited to speak about her work at an All Wales teachers' conference in Cardiff.

David Burrows, director of education for Microsoft Ltd, said: "We are delighted to recognise Kate for her innovative methods of teaching which personalise and inspire learning."