On Friday 18th of January pupils from across Yorkshire and the Humber were invited to take part in a pilot event called ‘Play with Languages – using Languages in Computer Games’ at The University of Hull. As the name suggests, the main focus of the day was to motivate pupils and showcase how computer games can be played in different languages and how there are many careers which languages can lead on to, including the gaming world.
30 Year 10 pupils from three schools attended the event: Sydney Smith School, Beverley Grammar School and Bridlington School. The day commenced with a lively introduction from Kerry Dobson, Co-Director of Routes into Languages Yorkshire and The Humber, and then pupils were split into two French groups.
The first language session of the day introduced pupils to computer specific language and technical jargon when using a keyboard and computer. Then they were introduced to RuneScape, the popular fantasy game, which they would be using and playing throughout the day. They got stuck into building their own fantasy characters practising language specific descriptions for hair, clothes, body parts and accessories. They also learnt how to describe enemies and use arms to help them in their game quest, such as spells. Then it was the lunch break which gave the students an opportunity to take a campus tour and they got a glimpse into student life here at the University of Hull.
The second session of the day focused on writing descriptions of their fantasy characters and looking at the game from a French angle. The last part of the day was used to let the pupils have a ‘treat’ and play the game in English.
The day was a great success as pupils gave very positive feedback and commented that the day had be ‘Excellent’, ‘Fun’ and even ‘Interesting’! Plans are in progress to repeat the event at a later date. Happy gaming!
Claire Barber, Project Manager – Routes into Languages Yorkshire and The Humber
