Primary school pupils are helping to imagine the future of healthcare through a digital construction challenge.
Pupils are using Minecraft Education Edition to design their own vision for a new hospital, thanks to a creative learning project linked to the replacement of University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie.
The NHS Monklands Build Challenge invites learners to design theoretical hospital buildings, departments and transport infrastructure using the popular block-building game.
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Lesley Aitken, community benefits engagement lead for the Monklands Replacement Project (MRP), said: “The use of Minecraft Education is a fantastic way for the young people to feel engaged in the project and perhaps spark their interest in a career in healthcare, architecture or construction.
“The exciting build challenge has a series of introductory videos featuring staff from University Hospital Monklands and the MRP team, giving the pupils information and tips to help them create their virtual infrastructure.
“MRP director Graeme Reid tells the young people about our real-world project to build a digitally advanced, net zero hospital.
“Colleagues then talk about the planning process and the areas to be designed in the challenge – the main hospital building, the A&E department, a ward, an operating theatre, a laboratory, and transport and access routes.”
The challenge forms part of the MRP’s broader Community Benefits programme, which has had significant engagement with young people in Lanarkshire through its aim to target learning opportunities, apprenticeships, job creation, environmental enhancements and support for businesses large and small in the local area and further afield.
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Callum Croughan, a digital pedagogy practitioner with North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The project builds on previous work by the council using Minecraft Education and the NL Minecraft MAYhem Build Battle – a dynamic, school-based project where learners from all over North Lanarkshire collaborate, design and compete in themed building challenges.
“The initiative encourages creativity, problem-solving and teamwork, while linking directly to real-world contexts and curriculum areas.
“Inspired by this success, the NL Digital School team identified a meaningful opportunity to connect learning with the local community by collaborating with the new hospital project.
“The result is a unique learning experience that empowers pupils to have a voice in envisioning what a future hospital could look like.
“Through a series of engaging lessons, the collaboration helps pupils better understand how hospitals are designed, built and operated, providing authentic context and inspiration for their designs.
“The NHS Monklands Build Challenge not only supports curriculum learning but also empowers young people to engage with real-world issues in a meaningful and inspiring way.
“By combining digital creativity with community partnership, this project highlights the potential of innovative learning to shape future thinking.”
Pupils taking part in the challenge will develop skills in teamwork, creativity, digital literacy and communication, while gaining insight into the design and function of healthcare facilities.
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