IN a significant achievement for online education, RGC Online’s Game Design diploma module was honoured as the “Best Educational Programme” at the prestigious 2023 Scottish Games Awards held in Glasgow. The award recognises RGC Online’s pioneering efforts in leveraging technology to provide a world-class learning experience for students across Scotland.
The ceremony, opened by Jamie Hepburn MSP of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, celebrated RGC Online’s dedication to shaping the future of education in Scotland. RGC Online has played a pivotal role by making SQA-accredited courses accessible and engaging for students from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their location.
The Game Design Module, a key component of the RGC Online Diploma program, caters to S5 and S6 pupils at Robert Gordon’s College and RGC Online. This self-study online course equips students with essential game design knowledge and skills, including game design fundamentals, mastering game flow, storytelling importance, practical game development, and insights into the gaming industry. The module is part of a comprehensive curriculum that also includes offerings in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, and Entrepreneurship. Additionally, a new Quantum Computing module is currently in development, showcasing RGC Online’s commitment to cutting-edge education.
Mrs. Jess Power, Head of RGC Online, led the development of the course, collaborating with experts from Coventry University, including Mia Mohac, Assistant Lecturer in Games Technologies, and Stuart Ross from 4JStudios. Their collective efforts ensured the module’s industry relevance and quality.
Expressing her gratitude for the award, Jess Power stated, “We are honoured to receive this award. RGC Online has opened new horizons for learning for students across Scotland, making it not just a tool for knowledge but a platform for fostering creativity and innovation. We are immensely proud of our students, and this recognition will open doors to even more opportunities for them.”
One of the students, Cameron, shared his experience, saying, “The Games Design module inspired me to learn more about it, and I ended up creating a 2D platformer game using Unity. The module is surprisingly easy to learn from and is extremely useful for anyone thinking about becoming a game developer.”
Robin Macpherson, Head of Robert Gordon’s College, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “RGC Online has broken new ground in Scottish education, and we’re delighted that this has been recognized by Scottish Games Week. RGC Online is really achieving that, and we’re so excited about its future growth and impact.”
The shortage of Higher Computing Science teachers in Scotland’s secondary schools has hindered the progression of pupils in the sector. RGC Online addresses this challenge, providing scholarships to talented students, ensuring they have access to high-quality education. These scholarships cover the course expenses and, if needed, financial support for acquiring the necessary hardware and software.For more information about RGC Online and their courses, please visit www.rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk/rgconline.
