The creative programming skills of 1st Year pupils produced an impressive range of computer games in a competition voted on by the Pocklington School pupils across all year-groups.

All 1st year students spent Lent term computing lessons learning how to code in a visual programming language called Kodu, which allows them to create PC games by encouraging creativity, problem solving, storytelling, as well as programming.

Pupils followed the key processes of design, implementation and testing, and each class chose a competition finalist through peer assessment. Two wildcard entries were also selected by teachers Mr Charles and Mrs Wilson.

The finalists were Belle Yeomans, James Burton, Ethan Pym, Bella Foley, Layton Loftus and Ruby Wells – all chosen because their games showed huge programming skill as well as being fun to play.

Mrs Wilson, Teacher of Computing and English, said: “The students have shown real talent over the weeks and the output has been staggering in terms of ideas and gameplay.

“Computer games are a huge growth industry, as reflected by the fact more than 140 students of all ages joined us to try out the games and vote in the Kodu final. The atmosphere was vibrant and high-spirited and I was the proudest Computing teacher as everyone clearly found the games engaging and enjoyable.”

Games designed by the finalists included mazes, races, capture the flag, football and hunt the treasure – all great themes with two player options.

Once the lunchtime session was over the votes were counted and the winners were announced: Ethan and his game “Kick Off” nudged out rival Layton by only two votes to take the top spot as Kodu King 2018!

Mrs Wilson said: “I have been delighted with the success of this programming tournament and the interest it has generated in my subject. Well done to all students who have shown creativity, understanding of computational concepts and had fun in my lessons.”