Pupils get lesson in digital switchover

PUPILS at Bratton Fleming Primary School have become some of the first to take part in a new programme to help them deal with the big Digital Switchover - and then explain it to their parents! The Government-backed initiative for when it all changes in N

PUPILS at Bratton Fleming Primary School have become some of the first to take part in a new programme to help them deal with the big Digital Switchover - and then explain it to their parents!The Government-backed initiative for when it all changes in North Devon on July 1 was launched by Digital UK.The Big Countdown is a multi-media teaching pack designed to help engage children aged seven-11 in the biggest event in broadcasting since the introduction of colour television more than 40 years ago. With less than 100 days to go, the pack was launched at Bratton Fleming School by Bill Taylor, South West Regional Manager for Digital UK and the well-known switchover robot Digit Al.The pack includes a teaching booklet, poster and timeline as well as a CD-Rom offering worksheets, presentations, certificates and community initiatives. It can be used across the curriculum for lessons in history, citizenship, ICT and English. To continue watching via an aerial after switchover, viewers will need to convert their televisions using a digital box, or upgrade to a fully digital model. Subscription and non-subscription digital TV services are available via satellite in North Devon, as well as broadband television from BT Vision. A postcode checker on the Digital UK website (www.digitaluk.co.uk) can tell viewers which options are available in their area before and after switchover. The Digital UK helpline can be contacted on 08456 505050.