Year 9 Bring Big Ideas to Life at the DLD Games Expo
30th January 26
Year 9 students stepped into the spotlight this week as they unveiled their very own board game creations at the annual Year 9 Games Expo — a vibrant celebration of imagination, strategy, and design.
What began as a classroom concept evolved into fully realised games, each complete with original packaging, polished rulebooks, and inventive gameplay mechanics. The project challenged students to think like designers, storytellers, and problem‑solvers, blending creativity with critical thinking as they developed games that were both engaging and visually striking.
From First Sketch to Final Playthrough
Over the past term, students explored the fundamentals of game design — from world‑building and narrative structure to balance, strategy, and player experience. Their final products showcased an impressive range of themes, styles, and ideas. Some games focused on fast‑paced competition, while others leaned into storytelling or cooperative play.
The Expo gave students the chance to present their work to peers and staff, explaining their design choices and inviting visitors to test out the games firsthand. Laughter, friendly rivalry, and plenty of “just one more round” moments filled the room as the games came to life.
Creativity at the Core
The project not only highlighted the students’ artistic and technical skills but also encouraged teamwork, resilience, and innovation. From refining rules to adjusting gameplay balance, each group demonstrated thoughtful iteration and a commitment to creating something truly original.
A Winning Showcase
The Year 9 Games Expo was a brilliant reminder of the power of creativity in learning. By combining strategy, storytelling, and hands‑on design, students produced games that were as fun to play as they were impressive to behold.
A huge well done to all our Year 9 designers — game on! 🎨🧠
