The competition categories are at two levels, primary (years 5-6) and intermediate (years 7-8).
See images of previous years here.

Pupils turn up not knowing the exact criteria/mission that they will need to achieve but they will have these to help: the tools, skills and key competencies they have as a team, the knowledge that all tasks/missions will fit under our theme this year of, "Welcome to the Dark Side- with a dash of hope" and where available some samples of previous competitions. The judges in each category will hand out the "secret" mission, explain it, answer questions and then the fun begins! After 1.5 hours the pupils have their final work ready for judging and everyone goes and has some lunch while the judges do their thing!

Below is some information to help you see how each category works.

Movie Making (iMovie, Final Cut, MovieMaker etc)
No Internet access for this group.

1. In this category pupils will storyboard their movie on the given criteria.
2. They will then shoot the footage to complete their plan. They may use two other pupils they have brought with them at this point as "actors". i.e. up to 6 n the team. You may also bring props of your choice.
3. Next up, they edit the footage to produce their final movie. Only four can be in the team at this point.
4. Here is a sample from a previous competition.

Music (Garageband or similar music loop use tool)

1. In this category pupils will plan the original music they will produce so it fits the criteria given.
2. They will then produce this, possibly using more than one machine to create different sections or parts. They may have other methods to make the best use of time.
3. They will then make sure that their final track is on one machine so that the judges can hear/view it.
4. This is a new category so there are no samples from a previous competition. The music will be a response of some form to the theme, it could be to produce music for a certain movie scene, or music for an ad for a business that has something to do with "dark" etc. Hopefully, this gives a few indications…

Robotics (NXT) Programming and building challenge.
No Internet access for this group.

1. In this category pupils using software to create a simple game, animation or presentation that fits the criteria given.
2. After planning how they will tackle the task, the team will programme and build as a team. you may have pre-assembled machines that help
3. Teams may have other methods to make the best use of time.
4. The team will then make sure that the final project is on one machine so that the judges can view/hear their creation.
5. Judges will look for the ability to meet the criteria including the level of sophistication in programming, graphics, presentation and creativity.
6. The task one year in this competition was to start your robot behind a wall and keeping within the game area, boarded by a black line, locate a can pick it up and return back to the starting point. This years task will be simpler than this probably.

Programming - Drag and Drop (Scratch, Tynker, Alice etc.)
Internet access will be available for this group if requested.

1. In this category pupils use software to create a simple game, animation or presentation that fits the criteria given.
2. After planning how they will tackle the task, the team will programme as a team, possibly across multiple machines.
3. Teams may have other methods to make the best use of time.
4. The team will then make sure that the final project is on one machine so that the judges can view/hear their creation.
5. Judges will look for the ability to meet the criteria including the level of sophistication in programming, graphics, presentation, thinking and creativity.
6. Here is a sample from a previous competition

DTP e.g. brochure/newsletter and sticker/button/logo.
No Internet Access for this group.

1. In this category pupils use software to create two or three Desktop Published pieces of work. They will be given a series of files (pictures and text) on a usb stick to use. They can use what ever software they desire to create headings and works of creative interest.
2. After planning how they will tackle the task, the team will work as a team, possibly across multiple machines, splitting up the task so they can collaborate better.
3. Teams may have other methods to make the best use of time.
4. The team will then make sure that the final pieces of work are on one machine so that the judges can view their creations.
5. Judges will look for the ability to meet the criteria including the level of sophistication in design, graphics, presentation, thinking and creativity.
6. Here is a sample from a previous competition

Website : 3 or 4 pages
Internet access will be available for this group if requested.

1. In this category pupils use software to create a three to four page website with navigation, illustrations, links and text. They will be given a series of files (pictures and text) on a usb stick to use. They can use whatever software they desire to create headings and works of creative interest.
2. After planning how they will tackle the task, the team will work as a team, possibly across multiple machines, splitting up the task so they can collaborate better.
3. Teams may have other methods to make the best use of time.
4. The team will then make sure that the final pieces of work are on one machine so that the judges can view their creations.
5. Judges will look for the ability to meet the criteria including the level of sophistication in design, graphics, presentation, thinking and creativity.
6. Here is a sample from a previous competition

Minecraft Challenge
Internet access will be available for this group if requested.

1. In this category pupils will plan the original Minecraft creation they will produce so it fits the criteria given. NOTE: Digifest supplies NO software, or server installs of Minecraft etc. Internet access will be available for this group.
2. They will then produce this, possibly across more than one machine if the they have a server edition or a common account area to create different sections or parts. They may have other methods to make the best use of time.
3. They will then make sure that their final creation is accessible from one machine for the judges to view/ interact with.
4. This is a new category so there are no samples from a previous competition. They will be asked to create something that responds in a specific way to our competition theme. Technical implementations that show creative and clever ways to achieve results will gain more points. Hopefully, this gives a few indications… but it will be fun!

3D Design
Internet access will be available for this group if requested.

1. In this category pupils will plan the original 3D creation (building or object) they will produce so it fits the criteria given. NOTE: Digifest supplies NO software. Internet access will be available for this group so that options like TinkerCad can be used. SketchUp is another free option for this group.
2. They will then produce this, possibly across more than one machine or create different sections or parts and then combine them. Pupils may have other methods to make the best use of time.
3. They will then make sure that their final creation is accessible from one machine for the judges to view/ interact with.
4. This is a new category so there are no samples from a previous competition. They will be asked to create something that responds in a specific way to our competition theme. Technical implementations that show creative and clever ways to achieve results will gain more points. Hopefully, this gives a few indications… but it will be fun!

Maker Technologies

1. In this category pupils will plan the maker creation (object) they will produce so it fits the criteria given. NOTE: Digifest supplies NO software. Internet access will be available for this group is needed.
2. They will then produce this, possibly across more than one machine or create different sections or parts and then combine them. Pupils may have other methods to make the best use of time. Base “craft” materials will be supplied for this category but no digital components.
3. Pupils will then make sure that their final creation is accessible from one machine for the judges to view/ interact with.
4. This is a new category so there are no samples from a previous competition. They will be asked to create something that responds in a specific way to our competition theme. Technical implementations that show creative and clever ways to achieve results will gain more points. Hopefully, this gives a few indications… but it will be fun!

Teams can use laptops, iPads and other digital hardware (cameras, video cameras) to complete the challenges.

Safety Considerations
Please make sure all equipment is looked after on the day as while DigiFest will have some security staff it is expected that each team is responsible for its own gear. Equipment will be locked on one room over lunch if it is a warm day and we can have our meal and play outside. Coaches or team supervisors are responsible for the behaviour, sportsmanship and safety of their own team members.