Ysgol Glanwydden School receives Make IT Happen challenge award

Ysgol Glanwydden School was one of the three national winners receiving recognition for their outstanding technology projects in the UK-wide Make IT Happen 2008 challenge at an event in Parliament. Ysgol Glanwydden School was awarded third prize for their use of technology in encouraging local councillors to open a Junior Youth Club.

The Make IT Happen competition is aimed at primary school pupils aged nine to eleven years who are using technology to help their school or local community. More than 180 primary schools across the UK registered for the 2008 competition, initiated by the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee (PITCOM) and organised by e-skills UK and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Teachers and pupils from the twelve UK winning schools representing Scotland, Ireland, Wales and each of the nine English regions, received their prizes at a special awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. The overal national winner and the two runners up were announced by the Lord Speaker, the Rt Hon Baroness Hayman. First prize was awarded to St Mary of the Angels RC Primary School from London, and second prize to Penpol Primary School from South West England.

Andrew Miller 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 Make IT Happen is enabling us to recognise and celebrate the best of this work."

Karen Price, Chief Executive, e-skills UK said: "It's very inspiring to see what young people can do when they are given access to technology. The winning Make 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 imaginations and learn how technology can make a positive contribution to their world, while at the same time acquiring valuable skills for the future."

The judging panel included Lord Toby Harris of Haringey as Chair; Stephen Darvill, Government Relations Director, Logica; Liwei Lee, Software Engineer, Google; Karen Price, Chief Executive, e-skills UK; and Robin McGill, Chief Executive, IET.

For more details, visit www.e-skills.com/makeithappen.