Digital Schoolhouse's Festival of Play, the exciting creative computing conference for students aged 9-14, heads to Scotland for the first time. In association with Electronic Arts, the Festival returns this summer with a jam-packed schedule of interactive workshops, inspiring talks, and innovative games, all showcasing the diverse range of careers that can be available in the video games industry.
The Festival of Play will be held in two cities with thriving video games industry hubs:
- Abertay University, Dundee on 10 June
- University of Westminster, Marylebone Campus, London on 1 July
These events will provide young learners with invaluable insights into the world of video game development. Students will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the technology behind video games.
- Meet and hear from industry professionals.
- Explore how their interests align with exciting STEAM careers.
- Gain hands-on experience with creative tools and technologies.
Not just for students
The Festival of Play is not only for students. It offers valuable professional development for teachers, equipping them with engaging and innovative methods to bring computing lessons to life in the classroom.
Proven success
Previous Festivals of Play have demonstrated significant impact:
- 90% of Teachers said they had learnt more about Computing and its application within Video Games.
- 80% of Teachers said the event had positively impacted their teaching.
- 56% of Students expressed interest in pursuing a career in video games.
Read the full Festival of Play 2024 Impact Report here.
Partnerships
Digital Schoolhouse is proud to continue its partnership with Electronic Arts, a collaboration dedicated to enhancing school engagement with creative computer science experiences and bridging opportunity gaps in STEAM education.
- Shahneila Saeed, Director of Digital Schoolhouse: "We are thrilled to expand the Festival of Play this year, thanks to the continued support of Electronic Arts. Dundee has become a creative hub for the UK’s world leading video games industry, so bringing the festival here provides hugely exciting opportunities for students to learn about what careers opportunities can be available in video games."
- Jaimie Vargas, Head of Global Social Impact at Electronic Arts: "The Festival of Play exemplifies how play-based STEAM learning can ignite creativity and equip students with next-generation skills that help them unlock their potential. We are delighted to continue this partnership and provide even more students across the UK with access to these valuable opportunities."
Registration
Schools can register for the Festival of Play via Eventbrite.
- Dundee (10 June): Register here
- London (1 July): Register here
Festival of Play is free to attend, however, schools are required to pay a refundable deposit upon registration. See Deposit Terms and Conditions on the Eventbrite page for further details.
Industry can get involved
Festival of Play is a fun and meaningful way to share your game or expertise with a lively audience of school students and teachers. Whether you have something to showcase in our Exhibitor Area, or a workshop you’d like to run, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to the Digital Schoolhouse team on dsh@ukie.org.uk to find out more.