Game Design

Year level: Prep  

In Semester 2, Prep students will explore the meaning and purpose of games by investigating what makes a game a game. They will name and play familiar physical games, as well as experience simple video games to begin understanding the basics of game design. Students will create and play their own paper-based and digital games using block coding programs such asScratch Jr, Code Studio, and Tynker. This Innovation develops collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills as students design computer programs and engage in fun, hands-on coding challenges.

Year level: 1 

In Semester 2, Year 1 students will build on their understanding of games by exploring the fundamentals of gaming such as what a game is, its purpose, and the key mechanics that make it enjoyable and challenging. They will analyse and play a variety of physical and digital games to deepen their understanding of game design principles. Students will then design and create their own paper-based and digital games using block coding programs such as Scratch Jr, Code Studio, and Tynker. This Innovation fosters collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking as students apply coding concepts, solve problems, and engage in a range of interactive design challenges. 

Year level: 2  

In Semester 2, Year 2 students will deepen their understanding of game design by exploring what defines a game, its purpose, and the mechanics that influence how it is played. They will analyse and play a range of physical and digital games to identify key design elements and strategies that make games engaging and enjoyable. Students will then apply this understanding to design, code, and test their own paper-based and digital games using platforms such asScratch Jr, Code Studio, and Tynker. This Innovation enhances collaboration, creativity, and computational thinking as students develop their coding skills, problem-solving abilities, and capacity to design purposeful and interactive games.

Year level: 4 

In Semester 2, Year 4 students will expand their understanding of game design by exploring the structure, purpose, and mechanics of gameplay. Building on prior knowledge, they will analyse simple physical games and explore classic video games to understand how design has evolved over time and how innovation drives development. Students will design and create their own board games before progressing to digital game creation through block coding using platforms such as Scratch Jr, Code Studio, and Tynker. This Innovation cultivates collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking as students apply coding concepts to design interactive games, solve design challenges, and refine their ideas through testing and iteration. 

Year level: 5 

In Semester 2, Year 5 students will take a deep dive into the study of Game Design, applying an innovator’s mindset to explore what makes a game work (mechanics) and what makes it engaging and enjoyable (purpose). Building a strong foundation of knowledge around the roles, rules, and structures of games, students will design, construct, and play a range of games including those they know, those they recreate, and those they invent themselves. Through this process, they will develop both physical and digital games using a variety of materials and tools. Working individually and collaboratively, students will use coding platforms such as Scratch and Code Studio to bring their creative concepts to life.