Digital Schoolhouse Workshop at Ballyclare High School: Students Cultivate Creativity with Microbits and Tamagotchi Design

By Ballyclare High School on 27 February, 2025

Ballyclare High School recently hosted a Digital Schoolhouse workshop in collaboration with Fairview Primary School, aiming to foster innovation and digital literacy among young minds. The workshop, led by Mr. Shaw and assisted by enthusiastic 6th Form pupils, focused on using Microbits to design personalised Tamagotchi pets.

This was the second visit from Mrs. Boyd’s class at Fairview Primary School, following their first workshop last week where they learned about algorithms. Building on that foundation, this session delved deeper into programming and creativity.

In this interactive and educational session, students from both Ballyclare High School and Fairview Primary School explored the world of digital technology and design. The Microbit, a versatile handheld microcontroller, served as a gateway to explore the principles of programming while nurturing their imaginations.

Under the guidance of Mr. Shaw and the skilled 6th Form students, the participants embarked on a journey to create their very own digital pets, reminiscent of the beloved Tamagotchi from the ’90s. This unique twist allowed them to combine modern technology with nostalgia, engaging students on multiple levels.

The workshop not only equipped young minds with valuable coding skills but also encouraged teamwork and problem-solving. Each group worked together to program their Microbit-based Tamagotchis, ensuring they were well-fed, happy, and healthy. The integration of technology and virtual pet care brought a fresh perspective to the concept of hands-on learning.

As the world continues to be shaped by technology, initiatives like the Microbit Tamagotchi workshop at Ballyclare High School are essential in preparing young minds for a future filled with digital possibilities. The collaboration between these schools serves as a shining example of the power of hands-on learning and the immense potential that lies within our students.