Games design to be taught in schools

Schools in Scotland are to teach pupils video game design as part of the country's revised National Curriculum, it has been announced.

Schools minister Maureen Watt unveiled the scheme this morning, stating that the new lessons will teach children how to use computer software to create animations and feature films.

Discussing the new curriculum, Watt told the Press Association: "There is huge confidence that Scotland will continue to play an important part in the future of video games and interactive entertainment and we are focusing on establishing firm foundations for lifelong learning and, for some, specialised study and careers.

"A key aim of Curriculum for Excellence is to produce informed, skilled, adaptable and enterprising citizens of the future.

"The pace of change in the world means that we should be equipping young people with the skills to embrace and use all the tools of modern life."

Latest figures reveal Scotland is a major growth area for the games industry, employing more than 500 people and generating around £20 million a year.