News Date: Monday 10th March 2008
Tim urges local primary schools to enter national technology competition
The 2008 'Make IT Happen' technology competition for primary school students aged nine to eleven was launched on 10th March by the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee (PITCOM) and e-skills UK, in partnership with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Make IT Happen 2008 calls on schools to use technology, such as audio-visual materials, web pages or interactive posters, to describe how they would change an aspect of their local community for the better.
Schools are encouraged to focus on an issue they really care about, such as tackling bullying or littering, helping to improve the local environment or supporting their community.
Judges will be looking for student-led entries that show initiative and imagination and make the most of students' technology skills. e-skills UK is making guides available online to help schools design their campaigns.
The closing date for entries is 13th July 2008. Winning schools will be notified and invited to come to the Houses of Parliament for an awards ceremony in October.
This year the competition is also supported by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, who are offering cash prizes for regional and national winners.
Tim wants local primary schools to get involved:
"Our local primary schools are using technology in wonderful ways. This challenge will encourage young people to use their technology skills while thinking about how they could make their world a better place to live in.
"I encourage all primary schools to get involved with Make IT Happen. The competition is all about giving young people a chance to use their imagination, creativity and technology skills and show how they would like to make a difference to the world around them."
