By Bronwyn Hastings

A pilot program to bring together students who feel ‘overlooked’ has begun at Horsham College, in partnership with Level-Up Gaming.

College teacher Matt Hobbs said the initiative came from a wellbeing standpoint.

“We really want to cater to the cohort of students who maybe sometimes are forgotten and don’t fit into standard lunchtime routines,” he said.

“We want to create a community of the kids we sometimes find sitting around the yard on their laptops, not getting involved.  

“We want them to realise there’s other people like them out there and there’s a whole community that will support their interests, and allow them to make some new friends and connections.”

Mr Hobbs said in coming weeks the program would offer Dungeons and Dragons, Minecraft, tabletop cards and the like. 

“The plan is to turn it into something that’s ongoing, a club once a week or once a fortnight that students can come along to and meet like-minded people,” he said. 

“I’m into Pokemon cards, I got into that over Christmas and enjoy playing a couple of games at night or something before I go to bed.”

Mr Hobbs said the club would provide a safe, supportive space for students to relax, socialise, and pursue their interests.

“It’s not to disconnect from reality, but to explore your imagination in some senses – it’s great,” he said.

Level-Up Gaming offers opportunities for connection and play beyond the school community with like-minded people.  

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