A NORTH Belfast primary school has won a prestigious award for its use of digital technology in its teaching.

Mercy Primary School was presented with the ICT Mark, from the National Association of Advisors for Computers in Education, during a visit last Friday by Education Minister John O’Dowd.

The much sought after award recognises the central use of IT in the classroom, and was only presented after a rigorous assessment of classroom life, and how computers are involved in day-to-day teaching.

Praising the school’s achievement, Minister O’Dowd said: “I believe it’s vital that children have the opportunity to acquire the skills they need to get the best out of computers from an early stage in their education.

“Everyone at Mercy Primary has worked hard to fully integrate the use of digital technologies in the classroom, and this is now formally recognised with this ICT mark.

“These essential skills will in turn improve young people’s life chances and their ability to continue their education or move into training or employment.”

Mercy Principal Margaret Moffett said: “We are very proud of both staff and pupils for the work involved in earning this prestigious award for ICT, and it will inspire us to continue working towards providing the best education possible for the children.”

Political commentator and former SDLP councillor for Oldpark, Brian Feeney was also at the presentation to congratulate the staff and pupils in his position as a member of the board of governors at the school.