STUNELL CHALLENGES LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO 'MAKE IT HAPPY'

2.00.00pm GMT Mon 9th Mar 2009

e-skills UK and a group of MPs have teamed up to launch a UK-wide technology competition for primary school pupils aged 9-11, and Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell is urging local schools to join in.

The 'Make IT Happy!' challenge will select imaginative, technology-based initiatives which will have a positive impact upon the local community. Students will show how technology, ranging from video skits to radio shows, interactive websites to downloadable podcasts, can be used creatively to 'make people smile'.

Winners will be invited to attend an awards ceremony to be held at the Houses of Parliament in October to collect their prizes of up to £5,200, granted by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Computer Society (BCS).

Andrew has written to all the primary schools in the area to encourage them to take part in this worthwhile competition.

Commenting, Andrew said:

"Our local primary schools are using technology in wonderful ways. Taking part in this competition will enable pupils to enhance their IT skills, but also have a lot of fun at the same time.

"They can also win large sums of money for their school - and attend a special Awards Ceremony in the House of Parliament, which will be a fantastic day out.

"This is a great competition, and I would strongly encourage local primary schools to get involved."

ENDS

n.b. 1. Further information about the competition can be obtained at www.cc4g.net/makeithappen