Exploring sacred spaces that shape faith, culture, and community
Students from Years 3 – 9 are called to participate in a special Minecraft Education challenge.
Inspired by sacred spaces around the world, students will design and build a creation that expresses their understanding of how places of worship reflect faith, culture, history, and community.
The challenge invites students to build a space digitally that is sacred to them. A place that reflects their own understanding of faith, culture, and community. This may take the form of a local cathedral or parish, a sacred space such as a reconciliation garden, or a meeting place that promotes peace and respect.
Their build should represent a meaningful sacred space, drawing on symbolism, design, and purpose, and may be inspired by local, national, or global examples. Students are encouraged to include symbolism labels (signs or non player characters) to explain key features of their design.
Challenge runs in term 3
Student Launch - Thursday, 23 July - 11:30am AEST
Final Submissions - Thursday, 10 September
Student Showcase - Thursday, 17 September - 11:30am AEST
Submission Requirements
Create a digital sacred space that shows what faith, culture and community mean to you.
Your build may be:
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A replica of a real-world sacred space (local or global), showing attention to detail and accuracy
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An original design, imagined by you, that represents a meaningful sacred space
Your creation should show:
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A thoughtful connection to faith, culture, and community
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An understanding of how a space can be sacred and meaningful
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How your design can bring people together, promote understanding, or inspire reflection
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Use of signs or non-player characters to explain the meaning of your build
Please note that Minecraft is our chosen platform for this challenge, but we welcome submissions created using alternative digital platforms to support accessibility needs or align with teaching programs.
Each submission should include:
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Up to 3 clear screenshots of the build
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A short walkthrough video, maximum 1 minute
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A short written description, maximum 200 words
Teachers may submit up to 5 entries per class.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be judged in the following categories, with awards given for each year level (Years 3–9):
Criteria | Emerging (1 pt) | Developing (2 pts) | Proficient (3 pts) | Excellent (4 pts) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Connection to Theme | Build has little or no connection to sacred space or its purpose | Some connection to faith, culture, or community | Clearly shows how the space reflects faith, culture, and community | Strong, meaningful connection; demonstrates deep understanding of sacred space and its role in community and belief |
Creativity | Simple design with minimal detail | Some creative effort; basic structure and elements | Creative and thoughtful use of Minecraft materials and shapes | Highly imaginative; unique and purposeful design that enhances meaning |
Symbilism & Meaning | Little or no explanation of the build's meaning | Basic explanation; some meaning is shared | Clear explanation of what the symbol represents | Insightful explanation; symbolism is rich and well communicated |
Build Quality | Very basic build; few details | Simple design with some structure | Well-constructed and visually appealing | Detailed, polished, and engaging design that shows strong building skills |
Prizes
Limited number of prize packs will be awarded to entries that display:
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Connection to theme
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Creativity
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Symbolism and meaning
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Build quality
‘Build the Change’ Minecraft Challenge Launch
23 July 11:30 am AEST
The Challenge Launch is an opportunity for students and teachers to learn about the challenge together before getting started in class. A recording of the Challenge Launch will be made available here after the event.
Student Showcase
17 September 11:30am AEST
The Student Showcase is an opportunity for students and teachers to see what others have created and celebrate the ideas, creativity and meaning behind each build.
Schools can participate as:
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Active Listeners — teachers register their class to watch the showcase and view student creations.
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Presenters — teachers may nominate a submitted build to be showcased. Selected students will have the opportunity to briefly speak about their design while their video is played.