Suitable For
Kids & Teens
Skill Level
Foundation
Course Duration
6 Weeks
Session Length
90 Minutes
Delivery
Live Online
Time Zone
UK Time
Learning Objective
By the end of this course, you will be able to
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- explain what Java is and describe how object-oriented programming is used to build games
- identify the key Greenfoot components including World, Actor, the act() loop, and method calls
- apply variables, loops, and conditionals to control how a game character moves and responds
- build a complete 2D Java game with player controls, collision detection, scoring, and win conditions
- run their game, observe the result in Greenfoot, and use the visual feedback to identify problems
- debug simple Java errors by reading the error output and tracing which line of code caused the issue
- compare different game designs and explain which approach is more effective for their project
- create and present an original Java game as a portfolio project to peers and family
Target learners
Who this course is for
Young learners aged 10 to 16 who want to learn Java through 2D game development
Beginners who are curious about coding and need a visual, project-based starting point
Students who enjoy games and want to understand how game logic works
Learners who want to practise Java classes, objects, variables, loops, conditionals, and methods
Young coders who want to build game worlds, characters, scoring systems, and win/lose conditions
Students who want an early introduction to concepts used in GCSE Computer Science
Prerequisites
What you need
No previous coding or Java experience is required.
Learners should be aged 10 to 16.
A laptop or desktop computer running Windows or Mac is needed.
Greenfoot is free to download and will be set up in the first session.
A stable internet connection is needed for live online sessions.
Learners should enjoy games and be curious about how they are made.
Course Overview
What this course is about
A fun, beginner-friendly 6-week course where young learners aged 1016 build their own 2D Java games using Greenfoot no experience needed.
Curriculum
01
Welcome to Greenfoot and Java
Explore the Greenfoot environment, understand how the World and Actor model works, and write your very first Java class , moving an object on screen so you can see your code come to life immediately.
02
Classes, Objects and the Game World
Learn how Java classes act as blueprints and objects as living instances, and apply that understanding to build multiple Actors in a shared World — each with their own properties and behaviours.
03
Movement and Keyboard Input
Learn how the Greenfoot act() loop works and how to capture keyboard and mouse input, then apply those skills to build a player-controlled character that moves smoothly in all directions.
04
Collision Detection and Game Logic
Learn how Greenfoot's built-in collision methods detect contact between Actors, and apply that knowledge to build enemy interactions, collectible items, and the first real game mechanics in your project.
05
Scoring, Lives and Game States
Learn how to use static variables and a ScoreBoard class to track player progress, and apply those patterns to add a score counter, a lives system, and win and lose states to your game.
06
Sound, Images and Visual Polish
Learn how to import custom sprites and audio files into Greenfoot, and apply animation techniques and sound effects to transform a functional prototype into a visually engaging game experience.
07
Building Your Own Complete Game
Apply everything learned across the course to design, build, and test an original game of your choosing — from concept and layout through to a fully playable, polished game you built from scratch.
08
Game Showcase and What Comes Next
Present your finished game to the group, receive structured feedback, and explore what Java skills you have built and how they connect to real software development — plus a clear map of where to go next.
Course Types
We offer three structured learning paths based on your goals:
Crash Course (Fast-Track)
Quick, intensive courses designed to teach specific skills efficiently. Ideal for those upskilling fast or preparing for certifications.
DeepDive Program (Full Mastery)
Comprehensive, step-by-step learning for full mastery. For beginners and professionals seeking long-term, deep expertise.
MentorConnect (One-on-One)
Personalised mentorship with real-world guidance. Best for those who thrive with direct, expert-to-learner coaching.
Frequently asked questions
1
What age group is this course designed for?
This course is designed for children and teenagers aged 10 to 16 who are curious about coding and game development. No prior programming experience is needed — Greenfoot is specifically built to make Java approachable and fun for young learners through interactive game projects.
2
Does my child need any prior programming experience?
No prior experience is required at all. The course starts from the very basics of how programs work and gradually introduces Java concepts through game-building activities. Children who have done Scratch or similar tools will find it a natural and exciting next step, but complete beginners are equally welcome.
3
What is Greenfoot and why are we using it to learn Java?
Greenfoot is a free educational Java environment designed specifically to teach programming through games and simulations. It provides a visual canvas where students can see their code come to life immediately, which keeps young learners engaged while they are learning the same Java programming language used by professional developers.
4
What types of games will my child build during the course?
Students build progressively more complex games across the course — starting with simple interactive animations and moving through collision-based games, score systems, and multi-level game worlds. By the end, each learner has a portfolio of working Java games they built themselves from scratch.
5
How are the live sessions delivered for young learners?
Sessions are delivered live online in small groups via video conference, with a dedicated tutor who keeps the pace engaging and age-appropriate. Each session is hands-on with coding time built in, and sessions are recorded so children can rewatch anything they found tricky at their own pace.
6
Will my child be writing real Java code or just using drag-and-drop blocks?
Your child will write real Java code from day one, not drag-and-drop blocks. Greenfoot uses a visual environment but all game logic is written in actual Java syntax, which means your child is gaining a genuinely transferable programming skill that carries forward into more advanced courses or school computing lessons.
7
What does my child need on their computer to join this course?
A laptop or desktop computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux is sufficient. Greenfoot is free to download and runs smoothly on most machines made in the last eight years. A stable internet connection and a pair of headphones or speakers are all that is needed for the live sessions.
8
How do parents stay involved or informed during the course?
Parents receive a course outline and session schedule at the start, and the tutor is available by email between sessions for any questions. Session recordings are shared after each class so parents can see exactly what their child is learning. ITLearnner also welcomes parents to observe sessions if they wish.
9
What skills will my child have by the end of the course?
By the end of the course, your child will understand core Java programming concepts including variables, loops, conditionals, and object-oriented thinking. They will be able to build original games independently using Greenfoot and will have a strong foundation for progressing to more advanced Java or Python courses.
10
Is this course suitable for children who have only done Scratch before?
Yes, this is one of the most natural progressions from Scratch. Children who have used Scratch understand the logic of events, loops, and conditions — this course builds on that intuition and introduces them to the syntax and structure of a real professional programming language in a way that feels rewarding rather than overwhelming.
Learning Approaches
We recognize that everyone learns differently, so we offer flexible learning formats to fit your needs:
One-on-One Training
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Personalized, instructor-led coaching tailored to your learning speed.
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Best for career-specific coaching or specialized training needs.
Small Batch Classes (2-5 learners)
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Interactive, discussion-based learning in small groups.
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Encourages collaboration, teamwork, and peer-to-peer engagement.
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