A Sutton school has been shortlisted for a technology award.

Avenue Primary School, in Avenue Road, is one of eight schools outside London shortlisted for a Becta ICT Excellence award.

The awards recognise schools which approach technology in “outstanding or innovative” ways.

Headteacher Dorothy Middlemass said the school was “thrilled” to be shortlisted.

The school’s initiatives include giving parents online tools to help with maths homework and using videoconferencing and email to let children contact their counterparts in schools in Norway, New Zealand and Sierra Leone.

Phillip Hedger, deputy head, said teachers sometimes had to “sprint to keep up” because children’s computer skills are so advanced.

Mr Hedger said the effort was worth it, however: “It’s bringing learning to life and we’ve been able to put the children in touch with children from different cultures.”

The award winners will be announced on November 19.

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