Nintendo UK have announced today that they are the new lead partner for the Digital Schoolhouse initiative that aims to bring play-based learning into schools. Through the not-for-profit programme that’s led by UK games industry trade body UKIE, they are expected to reach 32,000 pupils in the coming school year in 55 schools and colleges. Expect Nintendo Labo to get a fair bit of use!
Oh, and there’s an esports angle as well. The Digital Schoolhouse Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Team Battle competition giving kids a great way to justify spending hours playing video games under the guise of “homework” or “extracurricular study”.
In fairness, it’s not just about the competitive side of esports, but also everything else that goes into pulling off an esports event. So there’s team hosting and video production as part of this, which can easily tie into similar computer and media studies learning, and ought to be a meaningful way of engaging with gaming obsessed kids.
Nintendo UK’s Head of Communications Kalpesh Tailor said, “The Digital Schoolhouse programme uniquely combines computing, fun, creativity and innovation, all of which are synonymous and at the heart of Nintendo’s values.
“Through this collaborative partnership we aim to reach more teachers and pupils than ever before, in order to help inspire the next generation of young minds across the UK.”
Shahneila Saeed, Director of Digital Schoolhouse added, “We’re delighted Nintendo UK has agreed to throw its support behind Digital Schoolhouse. DSH has evolved enormously in just three years and their support means we can reach more pupils and teachers than ever with our transformative and inspiring programme.
“To date, these partnerships have helped DSH achieve national expansion and rapid growth, which is testament to the significant commitment from schools across the country to improve their digital skills provision. Nintendo is the latest global company to pick up the baton and push forward the programme into the next academic year.”
Don’t be too surprised if your kids come home and insist on playing Smash Bros. or shoutcasting some Fortnite at you.
Source: press release
