It’s in Mr. Clay’s Intro to Computer Science that some really progressive things are taking place. Atypical of most high school courses, students in his class are required to play games. But that isn’t all. First, they have to make them.

Using basic coding software called Dr. Scheme students work in groups to design their own video game. These games all operate around a similar move-left-move-right control scheme with a dodge, catch or destroy-the-falling-object-type goal. But graphically each game is distinctive. The students embed image files within the game that serve as weapons, explosions, protagonists and enemies alike.

Students have an online textbook to use as a guide and reference throughout the course. Mr. Clay educates his students in basic programming and the use of Dr. Scheme, then hands the reigns off to them. “I remain an overseer, a resource for them when they need it,” he says, “but the work, the product, the games themselves, all credit goes to these guys.”

Mr. Clay couldn’t be more proud of his students’ work, putting one game on display in the cafeteria during 8th grade open house alongside some very complicated robotics. “I teach a class on that as well,” he says, “and a Y.E.S. plan.”

Mr. Clay himself has been teaching computer course for many years, in countries including Switzerland, Ecuador and Romania. He has enthusiastically tracked the development of computing technology over the years.

“Things have changed a lot since I started teaching in 1986,” he chuckles. “Of course they have. The things that these kids are doing they couldn’t have done back then.” That’s what makes Mr. Clay the perfect teacher for this course: experience, an appreciation for the technology, and context.

Mr. Clay sees how important it is that students utilize the technology they have before them. RHS provides the opportunity for students to use all of this hardware and software for enrichment and experience that they will be hard pressed to gain elsewhere.

Story contributed by Sam Lucci, 11th grade student at RHS