I just heard an ad for the brand spanking new Junior Spider Awards on Today FM and so to the Google machine I went to find out more, quite skeptical about what I might find.

I’m happy to say that any cynicism or dread felt at the idea of the Golden Spiders spawning babies has been quelled. Well, for the moment anyway. Here’s the skinny:

What are the Junior Spiders?

“The eircom Junior Spider Awards were established as a parallel programme for students at primary and post primary school level. The idea was originated by Business & Finance, working closely with main sponsors eircom.” [via]

The important stuff

• It’s free to enter
• The closing date is November 6th 2009
• The shortlist will be announced on 30th November and winners announced on December 18th

Prizes

• Primary students
  • 1st place winner receives a trophy and €200
  • 2nd place winner receives a winners’ certificate
  • 3rd place winner receives a winners’ certificate
  • All entries receive a participants’ certificate including teachers
• Post-primary students
  • 1st place winner receives a trophy and €300
  • 2nd place winner receives a winners’ certificate
  • 3rd place winner receives a winners’ certificate
  • All entries receive a participants’ certificate including teachers

Categories

• Primary & Post-primary schools:

1. Best concept (website/application )
2. Best Online content (including websites, blog, podcasts, Social Networks )
3. Best website design & functionality
4. Best educational website
5. An suíomh no spas ar an idirlíon is fearr as Gaeilge

• Post Primary students only:

1. Best web application
2. Watch your space award

• Overall (both Primary and Post-primary):

1. Best teacher contribution (web/internet)
2. Grand prix

You can find out who the judges are, what the judging criteria are and everything else under the sun about the Junior Web Awards at juniorspiders.ie. They’re also on Twitter as @juniorspiders.