Redesigning Calgary: CBE, City of Calgary and Minecraft Education Launch City Wide Design Challenge for Students

Feb. 23, 2023

For immediate release

​​​CALGARY – Level Up, Calgary Season 2: Achievement Unlocked, will once again challenge Calgary students to build in an expanded and custom Calgary world rendered in the Minecraft universe.

Season 2 will see a new and improved immersive world and continue the partnership between the CBE, The City of Calgary (The City) and Minecraft Education. The design challenge will also welcome students from the Calgary Catholic School District and Rocky View Schools to create digital design solutions that could be recreated to real life solutions for The City.

“After a very successful first year of Minecraft Education, we are excited to launch this second season with even more opportunities for students to learn, explore and create sustainable designs,” said CBE Chief Superintendent of Schools Christopher Usih. “We are so fortunate for this ongoing partnership as it is an invaluable way for students to advance their digital skills while preparing them to be future change makers in a fun and creative way.”

In Season 2: Achievement Unlocked, students can choose from four different build sites including: Sien Lok Park, Fort Calgary, an underground Green Line LRT Station at Eau Claire, and a special challenge just for kindergarteners at the Calgary Public Library. Additionally, professional spoken word artist and Calgary Poet Laureate 2022-2024, Wakefield Brewster will be introduced as a character alongside a number of Calgary-based characters to interact with.

“This is an amazing partnership with the Calgary Board of Education, Microsoft and other community champions, showcasing Calgary as a city of big ideas where everyone plays a part in building this great place,” said Calgary’s Mayor Gondek. “It’s surreal to see Calgary reflected within the world of Minecraft with landmark structures, iconic public art installations and so many community leaders, local artists, musicians and subject matter experts sharing their love of our city all while helping to inform student’s designs for a dynamic and sustainable future.”

Last school year, the game-based learning platform had more than 12,000 CBE students participate and respond to the design prompt of reimagining public spaces to enrich the lives of Calgarians and strengthen the community. The CBE, alongside its partners, was also the recipient of the Minister’s Awards for Municipal Excellence in the Partnership category for the first season of Level Up, Calgary.

Media are invited to attend the launch event. Representatives from The City and the CBE will be available for interviews, as well as students and school staff.

Event Det​​ails

Date: Monday, Feb. 27, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.
Place: Griffith Woods School, 7652 26 Ave. S.W. Calgary, AB​



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​Note: Principals have a responsibility to limit media coverage only to students approved for interviews. Reporters attending an event are requested to receive permission from a CBE contact before interviewing or photographing students. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter, and for joining us in celebrating public education.​

Media Release

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