OA Coulsdon student wins ‘Blue Peter World’ Competition and a trip to Minecraft HQ in Sweden

Oasis Academy Coulsdon’s Year 8 student, Star, entered a Blue Peter competition last September during its initial launch with a task to build a ‘Blue Peter World’ either through Minecraft, or by drawing it with a video recording which explains what is included in their imaginary world.

Star's imaginary world included: “…giant Blue Peter badges around the outside and interactive activities in front of them, I also built a boat maze in the middle. The world included fireworks, a pet house, pig racing, a treetop walk, a rollercoaster, a giant piano and a lot more.”

Just a month later, Star received the exciting news that she had won the competition and was invited to the Blue Peter Studios in Manchester. Upon her arrival to the Blue Peter studios, Star was surprised to have her own dressing room with her name on the door. During her visit, she toured the studio, met the Blue Peter presenters Mwasky Mudenda and Joel Mawhinney, read scripts, and filmed with the green screens.

Star said: “I think my favourite bit of the day was meeting the presenters and being on TV, but everything was just amazing!”

The talented winner visited Minecraft HQ in Sweden, alongside Blue Peter presenters, where they were greeted by staff and taken on a tour. Star felt inspired by what she had learned during her time at Minecraft HQ, and she is now considering taking Computer Studies for GCSEs, and expressed an interest in seeking a career at Minecraft in the future.

Justin Edwards, Director of Learning, Curriculum and Education approaches for Minecraft Eduction, said: “We love that Minecraft is making young people think about computer science and would like to amplify this message so that other schools encourage more young women to consider computer science like Star.”

Principal of Oasis Academy Coulsdon, Catrin Green, says: “We are extremely proud of Star for winning first prize in the Blue Peter competition! We know well how creative she is, and it is great that it has been recognised. Star has told us all about her exciting trip to Minecraft HQ in Sweden, and we are delighted that she has shared some lovely photos with us.”

Star’s trip to Sweden is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer on the CBBC Blue Peter channel - “Behind the Scenes at Minecraft HQ.”