Press Release

MPs and e-skills UK announce winners in competition to find best use of technology by primary school students

Twelve primary schools have received recognition for their outstanding technology projects in the UK-wide ‘Made IT Happen’ challenge, the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee (PITCOM) and e-skills UK announced today.

Made IT Happen is aimed at primary school pupils aged nine to eleven years who are using technology to help their school or local community. 

More than 170 primary schools across the UK registered for the 2007 competition.

Of these, 50 entries were selected for the final round of judging. A winner has now been identified for Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and each of the nine English regions. 

Three overall winners will be announced in October.

Andrew Miller, Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston and Chairman of PITCOM said:

"The twelve winning entries highlight the excellent work with technology going on in the UK’s primary schools. 

"Examples include using ICT to engage remote students in lessons, building global relationships with other schools, and creating films and animation.

"We are delighted that ‘Made IT Happen’ is enabling us to recognise and celebrate the best of this work ".

Karen Price, CEO, e-skills UK said:

"It’s very inspiring to see what young people can do when they are given access to technology.

"The winning ‘Made IT Happen’ projects demonstrate how technology can harness the natural energy and enthusiasm young people have.

"The competition has provided an opportunity for students to stretch their imagination and learn how technology can make a positive contribution to their world, while at the same time acquiring valuable skills for the future.” 

The judges praised the quality of the entries.  Liwei Lee at Google said:

"What impressed me most were not just the great ideas, but the high standard of entry presentation which really reflected the dedication and commitment the students felt for their project.”

Andrea Kalavsky, Systems Magician at Innocent added:

"I really hope that the joy for technology remains, and develops further, and that these students turn out to be the IT professionals of our future.  We have a lot to learn from these young people ".

Teachers and pupils from the twelve winning schools have been invited to receive their prizes at a special awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster on 15 October, when the overall winners will be announced by the Speaker of House of Commons