In 2000 CEBP won a National Careers Award from the Institute of Careers Guidance for its Big Books with Business. Over 100 books have been created in Birmingham schools using photographs of businesses across the city from many occupational sectors.

In 2001 with the introduction of interactive whiteboards into Birmingham schools we decided to develop Big Books with Business into an interactive format through ICT.

We hoped to help schools to continue to raise achievement in literacy and stimulate interest in the written word by introducing moving footage of business and industry in action into the books. The moving pictures on each page are surrounded by text which can be read on individual PCs or interactive whiteboards. In the pilot year 2001/2, sponsored by core skills, seven virtual big books were created with eight Birmingham teachers covering Foundation stage to key stage 3, including a special school, working with more than a dozen companies.

Connexions staff arranged for each teacher to go out into local industry and commerce to capture real business activity in a series of moving and still photographs, having first received training from their local City Learning Centre in the use of digital cameras. Back in the classroom teachers worked with their pupils to supply supporting text to enrich the curriculum.

The results have proved to be exciting and are now presented for you on the BGfL.