Diploma students launch interactive online game at Pinewood Studios
Chalfonts Community College in Bucks have been taking creative learning to a new level by combining forces with the Create Compete Collaborate (CCC) programme to deliver their Gaming! project.
Greg Hodgson, a Senior Leader at Chalfonts Community College described the project as:
“The most significant learning project I’ve ever been involved with.”
As part of the AQA-City & Guilds Diploma in Creative and Media, staff and students at Chalfonts have worked with industry experts (including one of the Tomb Raider designers Tom Scutt) and Stoke Mandeville Stadium to develop a new interactive online game, which will be played by young people all over the World.
Inspired by the Paralympics and story of Stoke Mandeville, the game is based on wheelchair basketball and raises players’ awareness of the physical and psychological strength required by Paralympians, as well as some of the barriers that disabled athletes must overcome in order to compete at a world-class level.
Tom Scutt the games designer summed up the experience of working with the students as part of their Diploma:
“It gives children a really good perspective on working with people in the actual industry in which they want to become employed. Often, even todays children have a limited view on what is involved in a process like designing a game. This experience allows them to see the whole process of how industry professionals work in the field and manage their creativity to produce a business outcome for a client. It is a great experience for both the professionals and the students.”
The game Wheels of Glory was launched at Pinewood film studios 13 July 2010 and can now be played on-line with young people around the region and in other countries.
Rob Roseveare, Head of Diplomas at AQA-City & Guilds said:
“We are excited to see the level of work that has been produced as part of this project. It’s equally inspiring to see how Chalfonts Community College have implemented the AQA – City & Guilds Diploma in Creative and Media specification to give their students such a practical and engaging learning experience. This demonstrates students’ desire for a ‘hands on’ and creative approach to their education.”