Jo urges local primary schools to enter national technology competition

1.36.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 12th May 2008

Woodhill Primary in Bishopbriggs were winners in last year's competition

Jo Swinson has urged primary schools in Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch to enter the 2008 'Make IT Happen' technology competition.

Jo promoted the competition during a visit to Lenzie Primary School today. Woodhill Primary in Bishopbriggs received IT equipment and a £1,000 prize after the school triumphed in last year's competition.

Commenting, she said:

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

"Following Woodhill Primary's tremendous success in last year's competition, I encourage all primary schools in East Dunbartonshire to take part this year. 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 2008 'Make IT Happen' technology competition for primary school students aged nine to eleven is being run 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. 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.

During the visit, Jo also discussed a project the children are currently undertaking on rights and responsibilities, with particular reference to the UN Declaration on the Rights of the Child and the current situation in Burma. She said:

"The pupils at Lenzie Primary are working on an ambitious project on children's rights, looking at the UN's Declaration on the Rights of the Child. Learning about universal rights can help give the pupils an insight into the lives of other children across the world, including those caught up in the devastating situation in Burma at the moment."

Related Link:

Make IT Happen 2008