Class act keeps young pupils riveted

Kelly Steeples, who teaches year six at Southdale CE Junior School in Ossett, Wakefield, was named outstanding new teacher at the Teaching Awards at the Theatre Royal in London last night.

The 25-year-old "absolutely blew us away", the judges said, with her "unique teaching style" which also included transforming her classroom into a set from Avatar – even painting children's faces blue – to engage pupils in lessons.

Yesterday, after receiving the accolade from Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood, Miss Steeples said: "I am just so overwhelmed." She thanked her pupils for all their support, saying: "They really do make my job exciting."

Miss Steeples, who is also a semi-professional dancer and uses music, media, film, dance and role play as part of her classes, added: "My teaching style is very active – I try to make sure that the children are up on their feet."

Miss Steeples, recently appointed assistant head, began her career as a trainee on placement at Southdale and was offered a permanent post on graduation. During their visit, award judges saw her begin classes with Tai Chi to help pupils focus and watched as she took on the role of Princess Steeplesmeera for a lesson inspired by Avatar.

One of the judges of the Specialist School and Academies Trust awards said: "I had goosebumps and still do thinking about this lesson."