UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / February 04, 2025 / The UK is in the grip of a games frenzy, with research showing that children and young teens spending an average of 45 minutes per day playing Minecraft and 125 minutes a day on gaming apps. A new academy from a specialised coding program for kids aims to make that screen time fun and educational, with the launch of a new initiative that aims to bridge the STEM gap and help turn screen time into a fun new learning opportunity. 

The Code Zone’s all new Game Dev Academy has been developed to make learning to code more flexible, accessible, and above all, fun for kids of all ages – even those who won’t willingly tackle their maths and science homework. 

Ashley Payne, CEO and Co-founder of The Code Zone said, "We are on a mission: to turns children's engagement with games and screen time into an opportunity to bridge the growing STEM skills gap. We’ve seen how much children engage positively with games and technology, and we want to turn that enthusiasm into a great learning experience!

"The Game Dev Academy offers a flexible way for children to build essential coding skills while having fun and balancing their busy schedules. We’re excited to provide a programme that not only makes coding education accessible but also inspires a new generation to learn coding and shape a brighter, tech-driven future."

New games are released every Monday, accompanied by coding tutorials (or "hacks") that children can incorporate into their games. The Academy allows members to learn at their own pace, on their own schedule, with the guidance and support of their very own STEM-certified coding mentor.

Children can ask questions at any time and receive tailored video responses. Members also enjoy priority support, for all the help they need to succeed.

The programme’s flexibility makes it ideal for families with busy schedules, offering all the benefits of The Code Zone’s live clubs without the time commitment. Membership includes access to Minecraft Mod Worlds, where children can embark on quests, interact with NPCs, and create their own mods using in-game tutorials. 

Membership starts from just £5 per month.

For more information, visit www.thecodezone.co.uk.