Media Releases

Students design computer games, learn skills for the future

July 21, 2017

State Member for Algester and Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch has visited grade five students at Algester State School to view the most recent developments of their coding and robotics program.

Students are currently designing their own video games on tablet devices, using popular youth coding platform Tynker.

The school’s coding and robotics program was introduced at the beginning of the year to help students better prepare for jobs of the future in a digital age. Ms Enoch said she was excited by the progress shown.

“In my ministerial role, I am constantly meeting with innovators, entrepreneurs and industry professionals from the tech space – individuals who are creating new pathways for our future economy,” Ms Enoch said.

“I see that same inquisitive nature in these Algester State School students, and it’s impressive that they’re already starting to design video games and explore what’s possible with technology.

“By equipping our local children with skills in coding and robotics, we are nurturing the next generation of critical and creative thinkers,” she said.

“These are young people who will soon be capable of solving our biggest problems, and they’ll be doing so right here in Queensland.”

Algester State School Principal Colin Torr is a driving force behind this curriculum, along with parents and teachers. Mr Torr said the decision to introduce the program was an easy one.

“Coding has become a highly sought-after skill for employers, and its importance is only going to grow in the future,” Mr Torr said.

“Through coding and robotics programs like ours, students will be better prepared for successful careers in the workplaces of tomorrow.

“Coding encourages divergent thinking, risk taking and resilience – and code rarely works the first time, so it’s a great way for students to persist with a task until they achieve success,” he said.

“Now, we don’t just play games at Algester State School – we code them!”

ENDS

MEDIA: Louise Ryan 0413 722 656

WE'LL PUT QUEENSLANDERS FIRST