Malcolm Moss MP urges local primary schools to enter national technology competition

The 2008 ‘Make IT Happen’ technology competition for primary school students aged nine to eleven is launched today 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 software resources and ‘How To’ guides available online to help schools design their campaigns.

This year the competition is also supported by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, who are offering cash prizes for regional and national winners.

Malcolm Moss, MP for North East Cambridgeshire, wants primary schools to get involved:

“Our local primary schools are using technology in wonderful ways to help young people acquire vital skills for the future and understand how IT can make a positive contribution to their world.

“I encourage all primary schools to get involved with Make IT Happen. The campaigns don’t have to be ambitious or expensive and schools can use the software available on the competition website to develop their entries. The competition is all about giving young people a chance to use their imagination, creativity and technology skills and show how IT can make a difference to the world around them.”

The closing date for entries is 13 July 2008. Winning schools will be notified and invited to come to the Houses of Parliament for an awards ceremony in October.

For further information and details of how to enter visit the Make IT Happen website at www.cc4g.net/makeithappen