Neston schoolchildren urged to enter technology competition

Mar 12 2008 by Sue McCann, Neston News

NESTON MP Andrew Miller is urging schoolchildren to take part in a technology competition.

Make IT Happen is for for primary school youngsters aged nine to 11 and was launched last week by the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee and e-skills UK, in partnership with the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

The initiative 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 July 13. Winning schools will be notified and invited to come to the Houses of Parliament for an awards ceremony in October.

Mr Miller said: “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 in which to live.”