A Rotorua intermediate school is offering computer coding as an elective to their pupils with the aim of introducing Rotorua youngsters to a new way of teaching.
Mokoia Intermediate is three weeks into a pilot programme giving pupils the choice to elect HyperText Markup Language (HTML) coding or Minecraft as one of their subjects.
Mokoia Intermediate deputy principal Annemarie Hyde said the programme had close to 80 pupils taking part.
"We have 58 pupils taking the Minecraft class and 20 doing coding through Tynker and Code.org.
"We knew Minecraft was an extremely popular game with the kids so investigated ways we could use it as a learning tool. By giving pupils a choice in what they learn and how they learn it, they will grow up much more engaged in their education."
Ms Hyde said the pupils taking the HTML coding class loved it and had picked up the new skill quickly.
"It is independent, individual, rewindable learning the pupils can do at their own pace. We are not teaching them how to use the resources but how to be the makers of resources.
"It is no longer about teaching to fit with industry, it is about creating more movers and shakers, leaders, and entrepreneurs."
Mokoia Intermediate pupil Jamie Fox, 12, is taking the HTML coding class and said he picked it because he "really liked computers".
"I've always been quite good at using computers and so I thought taking this class would be a good chance to improve my skills."
Jamie said he often helped his classmates and family when they were having issues with their computers.
"I am usually the one who is asked to troubleshoot the computer when my class or my family is having problems with it because I know all the technical stuff."
Jamie said he liked taking the elective because he didn't "have to wait for other people in the class to catch up".
"We work to our own pace in this class and I am quite quick at doing my work so I can just move on to the next thing without having to wait for others."