Top marks for gamers: Pupils who play computer games do better in exams

Top marks for gamers: Pupils who play computer games do better in exams

Youngsters who regularly play computer games perform better in their GCSEs.

In a study in a secondary school, pupils had to answer questions related to a chosen subject to get access to a computer game.

Up to 70% of pupils who frequently used the special educational games met or exceeded their maths targets, compared to 40% of students who played them less often. In English, 70% of gamers met or beat their predicted grade, while in science the figure was 50%.

In comparison, the rates for the lowest users were 30% and 50% respectively.

Similar differences were seen in nearly every year group across maths, English, science, IT, history and geography. Experts claim the games, where pupils’ characters live longer by answering subject questions correctly, encourage learning by stealth.

Developer i-education’s system is in 900 schools and teachers can also use it to set homework and track progress. Director Steve Holt, 33, said the main purpose was to engage and motivate students.

He said: “If we create something they want to do and are interested in, half the battle is won and results will go up.

“Students think they’re playing games but they’re actually improving their results.”

David Pohl, deputy headmaster of ­Yardleys School in Birmingham, where the study was held, believes the system has made a huge difference.

He said: “It’s clear that, in core subjects, those who use them most stand a significantly increased chance of meeting their GCSE target grades.

“Children love playing them and also love the competition. There are leader boards that show attainment against peers within school and also globally.

“The games element is critical â€" without that, they wouldn’t do it. There’s still a place for textbooks but I may rethink this if or when all students have iPads.”