The program will be expanded to 10,000 student places in 2018 following principals’ reports of positive student-engagement benefits.

The expansion will ensure more students benefit from using the world of virtual reality to build on what they learn in classrooms.

Nick Biddle, information and communication technology teacher at Yass High School, said the students were eager and excited to be part of the first group in NSW to trial it.

“The program allows them to develop designs from scratch, using teamwork and communication skills. It’s going to give them skills for future jobs,” he said.

Mr Biddle said he was initially contacted as part of the future-learning to trial the program to ensure student learning meets future demand.

“Technology changes all the time, so they’re gaining skills in not just design but also in planning, as well as coding algorithms,” he said.

A couple of examples in which students at Yass High have used Minecraft to build include the design of liveable urban environments and creation of a virtual version of the school.

Education Minister Rob Stokes said the technology has potential to positively increase student engagement in the key areas of literacy and numeracy, along with heightening engagement in the humanities and sciences.

“We are not seeing kids locked in a room by themselves in front of a computer screen instead we are demystifying the use of technology,” he said.

He noted the software was not only engaging children by complimenting existing studies, but also assisting with computer literacy for future jobs.

The trial at Yass High School will continue in 2018.