KIDS JUDGE BETT
Calling all learners! The power’s in your hands!
If you love technology and learning, then Kids Judge Bett is for you. We’re inviting teachers, parents, and guardians to bring their pupils to Bett on Friday 24 January to explore the exhibition stands and all the lovely tech, to select their favourite companies and products. After the judging, you get to take part in the awards ceremony, hosted by children’s poet and author, Michael Rosen, where the winning companies are presented with a trophy.
Closing date for applications is Monday 4th November
Be a judge for the day!
There are two ways to take part.
- Apply to take part in the live judging and Awards Ceremony on-site on Friday 24 January (10.30 am to 4.30pm)
- Or, if you’re bringing students to the show on Wednesday 22 or Thursday 23 January, they can nominate a company or product they think should be shortlisted. You do not need to apply to take part on Wednesday or Thursday, just come along!
If you want to take part in the live onsite judging, you need to:
- Have an enthusiastic group of pupils and staff able to travel to the ExCeL, London on Friday 24 January 2025.
- Be able to arrive promptly for a full day of activities from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
- Be prepared to get stuck into touring the show floor within assigned groups; helping students shortlist products and companies within categories; chaperoning your student’s involvement in the Awards ceremony from 3.00pm to 4.00pm and staying with your students at all times throughout the day.
- Be able to use your school Twitter account to share tweets in the run-up to the event and on the day.
- Help your students prepare fun and simple #KidsJudgeBett posters to bring on the day.
- Decline accepting gifts from suppliers (no matter how tempting!) and putting aside any bias or product loyalty.
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‘Curating Kids Judge Bett over the past 8 years, I’ve combined my experience as a Bett Awards judge, with my expertise as an advisory teacher, to create a high energy and fun event that puts children at the heart of evaluating educational resources and suppliers at the Bett show. Better than any Oscars ceremony, KJB brings children, teachers, and families from around the UK to the show where they work hard, following strict judging protocol, to shine a spotlight on the best.’
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‘Our schools love taking part in Kids Judge Bett; such a unique and inspiring event. It provides a chance for our students to see the latest educational technology up close, and to share their feedback directly with the companies that are creating it. It's also a great opportunity for them to develop their critical thinking and communication skills. Our students always come back from Kids Judge Bett feeling empowered and excited about how they can help shape teaching & learning across our Trust. We act on many of their suggestions, shaping our digital package accordingly. The children know that their voices matter, and that they can make a difference in the world. I highly recommend Kids Judge Bett to any school that is looking for a way to engage and inspire their students.’
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'I loved taking part in Kids Judge Bett. Children don't always get the chance to explore different EdTech tools, apps and products and help make decisions about what to buy. It was so much fun! I also loved being able to go on stage and present the awards. I will never forget that.'
Kids Judge Bett was devised and run by Katy Potts, Computing and Online Safety lead at Islington Council. Now in it’s 9th year, Katy’s been organising it in collaboration with BESA (British Educational Suppliers Association) since 2016.