Students in years 5, 6, 7 and 8 across the North of England are challenged to come up with a design for an innovative new classroom for their school. The right learning environment can make a real difference to delivering better learning outcomes, and even bigger benefits can be seen when young people play an active role in shaping their own space. The competition provides an opportunity for pupils to develop a concept for a learning space, with one winning team of designers seeing their scheme implemented in their school by Northgate Education, EC Harris and Wates Construction.
All entries will form part of a major exhibition to be held at BSEC ‘09 at Manchester Central. The winning team and top two runners up will be invited to attend the conference on 12 February where they will be awarded their prizes by Jim Knight, Minister of State for Schools and Learners, Department of Children, Schools and Families.
Competition sponsor, David Hyland, Managing Director of Northgate Education said: "We are delighted to be working so closely with students as part of this competition, student opinion is vitally important so that we continue to engage, excite and motivate learners. Technology is a hugely significant part of education today, through innovative resources and modern technologies we encourage new styles of teaching and learning."
To enter the competition, participants must submit a design for a learning space (no bigger than A3) accompanied by either a 200 word explanation, and/or a video or powerpoint presentation outlining why winning the make-over will make a difference to the pupils and their school.
Rob Lozowski, Event Director for the competition said: "This competition has been created to encourage pupils across the North of England to take an active and positive role in creating their own environment in which to learn. This new competition provides an opportunity for pupils to be recognised for developing an innovative classroom design and use solution. The judges will be particularly interested to see evidence of young people working effectively as a team and incorporating ICT into their design."
Deadline for entries is 19 January 2009. Shools can deliver up to ten entries. To register your intention to participate and to receive more detailed guidance for teachers and pupils, contact Gill Wilson:
Tel: 0151 236 2351
Send your entries complete with contact details for the school and the names and ages of the pupils to: Gillian Wilson, EC Harris LLP, Silkhouse Court, Tithebarn Street, Liverpool L2 2LZ
