Made It Happen Challenge For Local Primary Schools

Commenting on the launch today by MPs of a new competition, 'Made IT Happen', for primary school pupils aged nine to eleven who are using technology (ICT) to help their school or local community, Paul Holmes, Liberal Democrat MP for Chesterfield, said:

"Our local primary schools are using ICT in wonderful new ways, helping young people to acquire vital skills for the future and understand how technology can make a positive contribution to their world. I want to see that work recognised and celebrated! I encourage all primary schools get involved with Made IT Happen.

Projects don't have to be ambitious or expensive - it's about making best use of the available resources or to support a community project. Most of all, it's about showing your work has made a difference. I have written to the primary schools in Chesterfield to urge them all to take part."

Note: Organised by the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee (PITCOM) and e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecoms, the UK-wide competition is looking for pupil-led projects that show initiative and imagination and have had a positive impact on others.

Regional and National winners will receive cash prizes and a chance to visit Parliament in Westminster and meet other winning schools.

Entries can be in any format - the more creative the better. They should include an outline of the challenge the school faced, a description of the how ICT was used by the students to overcome the problem, and what the result was - with a focus on the students' contribution, progress and achievement. The competition closes at 5pm on July 13th 2007. For further information visit the Made IT Happen website at www.e-skills.com/pitcom/madeithappen