The 2011 Schools Digital Challenge - the Result
BIMA joins forces with Channel 4 to get schools inspired by digital
The British Interactive Media Association, the industry association for everyone working in digital Britain is pleased to announce the winners of its 2011 Schools Challenge, an annual initiative held in partnership with Channel 4 and other key industry organisations to inspire young people to get involved in the digital industry.
This year, BIMA asked teams in schools and colleges to come up with a digital solution which provides real practical benefits for their community. Channel 4 hosted the awards ceremony this week, which saw Avonbourne school pick up the top prize for their digi steps project. Mirage Islam, Chair of Innovation and Learning at BIMA said, "We were looking for a combination of creativity and technology with real social benefits- and Avonbourne really delivered this. We were particularly impressed with the students and how they applied themselves and delivered outstanding work. "
The Schools Challenge was launched in 2009 to address a recognised skills gap within the digital industry. Mirage Islam said, "We realised we needed to reach out to a younger audience. Whilst there is some great work going on with getting graduates into digital careers, we wanted to inspire and educate those still at school and college, and bridge the gap between their learning institutions and the industry. What we now realise is that challenges like this engage and inspire future talent and ultimately change lives."
Sponsors for the 2011 challenge include Channel 4, Sky Creative, Microsoft, Propel and Sheridans, with support from partners such as Warner Bros, Sony Music, EMI, 20th Century Fox and digital agencies Redweb, Mando and Kempt.
"As principal sponsor 4Talent were delighted to host the BIMA Schools Digital Challenge Awards 2011 at Channel 4's HQ in London. Well done to all the young people involved in this, what we hope was inspiring experience". Colin Campbell-Austin, Learning and 4Talent, Channel Four Television Corporation
Avonbourne school has received support from Redweb since first entering the Schools Challenge in 2010, a relationship Redweb CEO Andrew Henning says has been mutually beneficial: “We are proud to work have worked with Avonbourne and the Digi Steps team over the last 2 years, and are delighted that they’ve won the BIMA Schools Challenge. Their success and recognition is fully deserved and we are in awe of the students’ commitment to the project. We’re also humbled in the appreciation they have shown Redweb. However it hasn't been all one sided! We've gained a tremendous amount from the relationship and it has been fun and exciting to play our part. With the pressures of day to day business it's great to be involved in something different, share the enthusiasm of the young people and provide a positive boost to education in our local area.”
Kempt - supporters of both Manshead Upper School and Aylward School- enthused similarly, Chris Kempt, MD said: “I’ve been totally blown away by the hard work that the teams from Manshead and Aylward have put in to their respective projects. What particularly impressed me was that in the whole process not once did any of them ask me what was in it for them or what the prize was! They just wanted to do a good job which they achieved spectacularly. Top marks!”
Kathryn Loughnan, Head of ICT and facilitator of digi steps project at Avonbourne School, said of the project: "We have been involved with the BIMA challenge for two years running and the benefits have been immense. I would urge other teachers to get involved as the students grow so much from the experience. They develop their business, communication and digital skills regardless of their entry level. It is also wonderful to see them provide real community solutions. Our project digi steps encourages teenagers to volunteer and train would-be silver surfers. It has brought a new dimension to the school and a much closer bond with our senior residents near to the school. In fact, their work has been recognised with many awards and funding too, so the students were delighted to find out that No.10 had heard about their work and had granted them a Big Society award. They are very much looking forward to meeting David Cameron at the celebration event and I'm sure will tell him that the BIMA challenge was the catalyst for all of their hard work."
BIMA Chair Justin Cooke said, “This year’s entries didn’t fail to impress. We’ve been bowled over by the passion, enthusiasm and commitment of the entrants and feel excited by the burgeoning talent we’ve seen. I feel confident we’ve discovered a number of ‘digital stars’ of the future.”
• For photos from the BIMA Schools Challenge award, or to interview any of the participants please contact Natalie@pr4.com, tel 0203 142 6807, 07919278366
• BIMA is the oldest established interactive media association in the world, for everyone working in digital Britain. Members include 200 brands, media owners, educational institutions and the biggest and the leading interactive agencies in Britain including AKQA, Ogilvy, LBi, EMC Consulting as well as other organisations playing a part in Britain’s digital success. For more info on the schools challenge visit http://www.bima.co.uk/future-talent/2010-bima-schools-digital-challenge.asp
• BIMA showcases and rewards great digital work, celebrating excellence and raising standards, and in doing so inspires and supports current and future talent.
