Upping the Game at Osgoode Township High School

Upping the Game at Osgoode Township High School
Posted on 05/18/2021
Upping the Game at Osgoode Township High School

From stepping inside an alien spaceship to exploring environmental issues facing our planet, students at Osgoode Township High School are designing innovative and immersive virtual experiences.


It’s all part of a three-year program created by technology teacher Mr. Dubeau to introduce students to the world of game design, virtual reality (VR) and virtual production design. Grade 10 to 12 students work with a variety of digital tools, from Adobe Premiere to the real-time 3D creation tool Unreal Engine. 


They channel their imagination into interactive games and 3D videos, with projects like designing the interior of a spaceship. As they build skills in cutting-edge VR technology, they’re also using it to tackle real-world issues in their community and their school.


Recently, these efforts were recognized in an Earth Day animation contest run by Tallo and Unreal Engine. Student Emma S. won first place with her video on Climate Change Inequality.


In 2020, Osgoode Township High School was awarded the Epic MegaGrant, a $25,000 USD grant to support a virtual reality game that students are creating to support fellow students. The game aims to create an experience for students who are facing challenges, providing ideas and strategies for success in their future. In addition to supporting the game’s ongoing development, the funding will also help enhance students’ opportunities to work with industry professionals and expand implementation of 3D gaming in all OCDSB schools. 


“As a teacher, I want to prepare kids for the careers of today and tomorrow,” said Mr. Dubeau in an Unreal Engine spotlight, “which means I needed to expose them to something they wouldn’t see in a traditional high school setting. Game engines are a direct path to that new world, as they can broaden horizons and help students make more informed decisions about where they want to go next.”


Watch the videos below to learn more about game design at Osgoode Township High School and see Emma’s winning Earth Day animation!


Osgoode Township High School students working together in January 2020 on a virtual reality game that was recognized through the Epic MegaGrant


This video, created by student Emma S., was a first place winner in the 2021 Epic Games: Earth Day Awareness Ad contest

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