Kids aim to be top of the world
Over 400 pupils take part in a special lesson
Renfrewshire kids could soon be the holders of a blockbusting world record title.
More than 450 kids fom local primary schools will unite in an attempt to break the record for the largest architectural lesson the world has ever seen.
The mammoth challenge will see pupils from seven schools descend on the Lagoon Leisure Centre to take part in a live architecture class, which will incorporate Minecraft EE as a vehicle for learning.
In order to snatch the Guinness record title, they will have to beat the current holders in America, who set the bar for the largest live architectural lesson with 342 people in attendance.
The mission is the brainchild of David Renton, curriculum and qualities leader of computing, and Amanda Ford, a computing lecturer at West College Scotland (WCS).
The pair want to put Paisley on the map as a world record holder while using the event as an opportunity to get young kids learning and using digital skills.
David said: “There’s a shortage of digital programming graduates, so we need to get more young people interested.
“As well as breaking the record, I hope we manage to encourage kids to get thinking about their future career from a young age and that they will consider digital programming as an avenue.”
At the lesson – which is delivered by WCS in collaboration with Renfrewshire Council – kids will learn about the architecture of some of Paisley’s most iconic buildings, such as Paisley Abbey and Thomas Coats Memorial Church, before drawing up some designs on paper.
They will then be shown how Minecraft can be used to build and create their ideas digitally.
David explained that Minecraft, which was originally a popular game played at home, is now being used in schools as an educational tool.
“We’re using Minecraft as a way to promote digital skills, as it’s something that will grab the interest of the kids,” he said.
“WCS already supports afterschool coding clubs, but the idea is hopefully introducing Minecraft to local schools – it’s popular and will help them learn skills.”
The record- breaking attempt will take place on Tuesday inside the gym hall of the Paisley sports centre.
David added: “As long as everyone turns up on the day, we will definitely have enough to break the record, so I’m hopeful we manage it. But it’s very strict and there’s a lot of rules we need to follow, so fingers crossed we manage to tick all the boxes.”
We’re using Minecraft as a way to promote digital skills David Renton