The competition is initiated by the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee (PITCOM) and is organised by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology. This UK-wide competition is for primary school students aged 9 to 11. The theme for this year's competition is 'Make IT Happy!' Judges will be 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 or interactive websites to downloadable podcasts, can be used creatively to make people smile.
The competition is supported by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Computer Society (BCS) who have provided cash prizes for the winning schools. £1,200 will be awarded to each of the regional finalists with the overall winning school taking home up to £5,200. Winners will also be invited to attend an awards ceremony to be held at the Houses of Parliament in October.
"I encourage all primary schools to get involved with 'Make IT Happy' this year. There are brilliant prizes to be won and pupils will thoroughly enjoy the chance to work together on such an exciting and relevant project. Entries should be as imaginative as possible in order to grab the attention of the judges. 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 31st July, 2009.
