Built-in code editor
Code Builder opens inside the game when you press C. Students work with MakeCode blocks, Python or JavaScript, and what they write runs in the game straight away.
Code with Minecraft · 10–14 years · in person
Students write a command. Minecraft carries it out.
Weekly Minecraft Education classes at schools, Domina Shopping centre and the Meteors premises in Āgenskalns. Over the school year, students progress from their first MakeCode blocks to writing their own Python code.
- We provide the computers and licences
- No prior programming experience needed
- 60-minute classes, 1× a week
- At schools, after lessons
10–14years old
60min per class
1×a week
1school year
MakeCodeblocks and Python
Allequipment provided on site
First, the platform
About Minecraft Education
Minecraft Education is Microsoft's education edition, similar to the regular Minecraft game. It offers extra features that help children learn through play.
An Agent that only obeys code
The Agent is a robot you can't control with the mouse. It does only what the code tells it to: move, turn, place and break blocks. If it goes the wrong way, the bug is in the code.
A closed learning environment
Students sign in with a Microsoft account we provide, not a public game account. There are no strangers and no public chat, and the teacher can see the whole world.
The licence is included
Minecraft Education isn't the same game you buy in a shop, and it can't be bought separately. We provide the licence and Microsoft account, and both are included in the monthly fee.
Programme content
A year that starts with blocks and ends with Python
These are the topics students cover during the school year. The teacher sets the exact order and pace to suit the group, but the direction is always the same: from the first command to the Agent to a mini-game they've written themselves.
First half of the year
Visual blocks in the MakeCode environment
Students build a program from colourful blocks and instantly see what it does in the Minecraft world.
- Introduction to programming
- Algorithm basics
- Commands for the Agent
- Moving in 3D space
- Coordinates
- Mazes and routes
- Building with the Agent
- Loops and repetition
- Relative coordinates
- Grids and pixel art
- Symmetry and patterns
- Events and player actions
- Variables and keeping score
- Conditions and decisions
- Presenting your work
Second half of the year
Text-based code in the Python language
The same principles, just written out in text. The blocks stay alongside as support for as long as they're needed.
- From blocks to Python
- Python commands and syntax
- Indentation, brackets and formatting
- Reading error messages
- Variables and loops in Python
- Controlling the Agent with Python
- Building structures with code
- Nested loops
- Functions and parameters
- An automated village as a team
- How a mini-game is built
- Game mechanics and events
- Timers and scoring systems
- Randomness and difficulty levels
- Testing and debugging
- Final project and presentation
A note on language
Classes are taught in Latvian. The code is in English.
The MakeCode, Python and Minecraft Education interfaces are in English, and we don't translate them. In programming, English words are part of the language itself, so students learn them exactly as they appear in real code. The teacher explains in Latvian and practises saying the new words with the group.
on startwhen the program startsrepeatdo it againforwardmove aheadturn leftrotate to the leftplaceplace blockif / elseif true / otherwisevariablea stored valuefunctiona named set of stepsrandomby chancerunstart the code
Locations and prices
Where we hold in-person classes take place
At schools, classes take place after lessons, so there's no need to take your child anywhere. In Riga, there are also separate groups at Domina Shopping centre and in Āgenskalns. In every format, we provide all the equipment and licences needed.
For parents
Good to know before the first class
With in-person classes, there's practically nothing for parents to prepare.
What to bring
A good mood (and a water bottle, if they like). Nothing else is needed.
No need to bring a computer
We provide the computers, Minecraft Education and all other equipment.
At schools, after lessons
Classes take place at your child's own school, so there's no travelling after lessons. The exact time depends on the school timetable.
Feedback
The teacher follows each student's progress and assesses what is going well and where more support is needed.
Start at any time
Students can also join mid-year — the teacher helps them catch up with the group.
No prior experience needed
We start from the very first command. If a student already knows some coding, the teacher gives them a harder task.
Technical support for parents and children
Installing Minecraft Education, joining Teams, forgotten passwords and fixes for the most common problems, all in one place. We respond on weekdays from 16.00 to 20.00 Latvian time.
Reserve a place in an in-person group
Registration takes about two minutes: enter your contact details, and we'll get in touch about the next start date.
Places in each group are limited