Involving pupils
The digital TV switchover is an event of real significance in the history of broadcasting and the biggest thing to happen in broadcasting since the introduction of colour (1967). We want your pupils to get involved. 'Switchover for kids' has been designed to help teachers engage pupils aged 7 – 11 with this historical event and to provide a valuable teaching and learning experience at the same time.
Digital UK is working to raise awareness and understanding about switchover so no one is left without a TV service. We’d like you to involve your pupils by using some of the content on ‘Switchover for kids’ to teach them about the significance of switchover for them, their families and the wider community.
Ideas for involving pupils
Use 'Switchover for kids'
- 'Switchover for kids' is full of ideas for ways in which to involve pupils in the switchover. Activities engaging pupils can also be used to build links with the community.
Hold an event
- Hold an event to celebrate the digital TV switchover. A school time capsule is a fun way to commemorate this historical broadcasting event. Fill the capsule with objects and pupil work pertaining to television as we know it now and / or the switchover for future generations to find. A capsule burial ceremony in the lead up to switchover in your area is an interesting way of involving the whole school.
- Switchover provides an opportunity to promote your school. Consider inviting parents and local press to the capsule ceremony.
Talk to parents
- Help spread the word about switchover and ask pupils to talk about what they’ve learnt with their parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, friends etc.
- Download our parent letter, to tell them about your time capsule event.
Kids zone
- Your pupils might be interested to hear that they can visit 'Switchover for kids' Kids Zone where they can download a number of entertaining activities for use either in or out of school.
- Your pupils could also go to the 'fun things to make' section in the Kids Zone. Either involve pupils with some of the activities just for fun, or use them to compliment your switchover event. For example, pupils could make themselves Digit Al masks to wear for the event.
- If your pupils are feeling creative you could ask them to design a poster, counting down to the switchover
in your local area. Or, download a black and white one instead for your pupils to add their own colourful twists.
