The Parliamentary Information Technology Committee (Pitcom) and
E-Skills UK have launched the third annual technology challenge for
school pupils aged 9 to 11.
The "Make IT
Happy" competition will see judges looking for imaginative,
technology-based initiatives which will have a positive impact upon
the local community.
Students should show how technology, ranging from video skits to
radio shows, and interactive websites to downloadable podcasts, can
be used creatively to make people happy, said the organisers.
Winning schools will be rewarded with cash prizes provided by
the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the British
Computer Society.
The competition will see £1,200 being awarded to the winning
school from each of the nine English regions and Northern Ireland,
Wales and Scotland.
Further cash prizes will be awarded to those that are placed
1st, 2nd and 3rd overall. Winning schools will also be invited to
attend an awards ceremony to be held at the Houses of Parliament in
October.
Andrew Miller, Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston and
chairman of Pitcom, said, "Make IT Happy presents a fantastic
opportunity for pupils to pull together and come up with an
exciting and imaginative technological solution which will make
people smile."
Karen Price, CEO of E-Skills UK, said, "Creative challenges like
Make IT Happy can really help to inspire young people about the
potential of technology. It gives students a great opportunity to
stretch their imaginations and learn how technology can make a
positive contribution to the world."
The closing date for entries is 31 July 2009.