Great Easton Primary School explores the art of ICT

Local students launch national art competition at world technology exhibition

17.01.2011

Essex youngsters travelled to the capital on Friday to launch a national art competition.

Wannabe Warhols from Great Easton Primary School in Dunmow were invited to London’s BETT Show, the largest education technology exhibition in the world, to unveil the ‘Happy Art Competition’. Organised by Essex firm LapSafe® Products, the trip saw pupils get creative as they were asked to draw ‘something that makes them happy’ on the education business’ stand. The school’s artwork was then displayed for other visitors to see.

As a thank you for all their hard work, the youngsters were then treated to a slap-up meal at a nearby restaurant, before heading back to the exhibition to take part in some more creative learning.

The outing was organised to kick-start a UK wide contest, open to all special educational needs (SEN) and primary school students until 31st March 2011. Like the pupils from Great Easton Primary, artists simply need to draw ‘something that makes them happy’ for the chance to bag five netbooks for their school and a brand new Primary™ trolley to store and charge them.

As well as having their artwork transferred onto the cabinet’s door, the lucky student will also take home a netbook for themselves. A runner up will win £100 worth of book vouchers for their classroom and £30 worth for themselves. To enter, teachers, parents and students should download an entry form. The winning artist will be announced online on Friday 8th April 2011.

Damian Pye, headteacher at Great Easton Primary School, helped to arrange the trip as part of the school’s commitment to educational trips that expand pupils’ learning experiences. He said: “I was delighted that we were asked along to launch this competition, and I think that the students have all really enjoyed themselves. Our school has always seen the benefit of taking learning outside of the classroom, and this outing has enabled our pupils to get involved in art in a slightly different way.”

In addition to the competition’s launch, pupils got to explore the art of science at another local business’ stand. Hosted by Mind Your IT Ltd , pupils met scientific character Professor Smarty Pots and took part in some of his scientific experiments, including ‘dancing raisins’ and baking soda and vinegar ‘monster hands’. The science lesson was held to celebrate the new ExplorerLab™ mobile science investigation cart for schools.

Denise Cole, a director at LapSafe® Products, was pleased to involve Great Easton Primary School in the launch of the competition. Denise said: “As a local business, we believe in the importance of fostering partnerships with schools in our area and giving something back to the community. Not only has today been tremendous fun, but we’ve hopefully been able to give the pupils a memorable experience.

“We’ve all been incredibly impressed at just how artistic and talented these children are, and their entries all look great.”