Barnsley College awarded official Digital Schoolhouse status by UK computing initiative

Barnsley College is pleased to announce an innovative partnership with Digital Schoolhouse (DSH) together with Nintendo UK, which will offer primary school pupils the chance to develop their computing skills.

DSH is a not-for-profit programme delivered by the UK games industry trade body Ukie, which uses play-based learning, such as esports (electronic sports), to engage the next generation of pupils and teachers with the Computing curriculum.

The College’s Sport department shares the same vision and has invested in a state-of-the-art Esports Arena to help prepare young people for the future digital world.

In addition, as a certified Digital Schoolhouse, the College’s Esports students have the opportunity to take part in the pioneering Digital Schoolhouse Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Team Battle tournament on Nintendo Switch.

Kalam Neale, Sport Curriculum Leader at Barnsley College, said: “We’re really proud to have been awarded DSH status. The timing is excellent with the opening of our arena and inception of the first-ever cohort of Esports students at Barnsley College.

“DSH status will allow us to engage with primary schools in Barnsley to develop the digital and computing skills of the next generation, whilst raising awareness and aspirations of careers in computing and the esports industry.

“We are also extremely excited for our Esports students to experience the DSH tournament which is expected to reach 60 schools and colleges and over 6,000 pupils in the UK.”

Shahneila Saeed, Director of Digital Schoolhouse, added: “We use play-based learning to ensure primary pupils are aptly equipped with the digital skills they need for their future. Play-based learning capitalises on children’s innate nature to play.

“In addition to engaging the next generation with computing, we aim to inspire young people to pursue a career in the creative digital sector.

“We’re delighted Nintendo UK has agreed to throw its support behind DSH. DSH has evolved enormously in just three years and this support means we can reach more pupils and teachers than ever with our transformative and inspiring programme.

“Such partnerships have helped DSH achieve national expansion and rapid growth, which is a testament to the significant commitment from schools across the country to improve their digital skills provision.”