Physics teacher and academic Tristan O'Hanlon, and Grinding Gear Games co-founder Jonathan Rogers, have been given resource consent to build a new Auckland high school focussed on sciences and computer programming.
'The Academy' in West Auckland is expected to open in 2027. The pair say the school will start with year 7s and year 9s to then build up into a full intermediate and high school with a focus on teaching programming languages like JavaScript. Senior students will study the Cambrdige curriculum instead of NCEA, but there will be a focus on the sciences, and mathematics. Jonathan is managing director at Grinding Gear Games, known for its hit game Path of Exile, and was one of the company's founders.
The game studio was recently sold to Chinese developer TenCent. Jonathan and Tristan talk to Kathryn about their desire to see STEM education stepped up, and their hopes for the new school.
Photo: Supplied
