STUDENTS from Burnley College Sixth Form Centre broadened their horizons and gained exceptional insights into the world of professional computer games design on an inspirational trip to Los Angeles.

A group of Advanced Vocational Games Design students, plus keen gamers who take part in extra-curricular activities at the college, headed to E3 – the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

The largest expo of its kind in the world, it is where the largest gaming companies release their latest games and consoles, hosted at the LA Convention Centre.

Karen Buchanan, Principal of Burnley College Sixth Form Centre, said: “The trip to E3 was so much more than a visit to the world’s greatest gaming expo, it was an opportunity for students to experience a different culture and broaden their horizons.

"It’s fired the imagination of those who went, giving them an insight into the great careers open to them in games design – one student has now set himself a goal of working in the games industry in Los Angeles and we’ll work with him to make his dream come true.

“Travel is a great way to develop as an individual, gaining experiences which shape lives, and is an important part of life at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre.

“It’s an integral part of our commitment to help students grow as individuals, develop their confidence and become valuable members of society.”

The trans-Atlantic trip was the latest in a packed programme of exciting extra-curricular opportunities open to students on A Level and Vocational courses at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre.

Previous trips have included Thailand, Washington and New York, the Alps, Lanzarote, Spain and France, as well as locations across the UK, for volunteering and opportunities for learning to take place outside the classroom.

At 3E students gained exclusive insights into the latest big releases in gaming, including Cyberpunk 2077, Doom Eternal, Borderlands 3, Marvel Avengers and Jedi: Fallen Order, and rubbed shoulders with a myriad of developers; took part in VR experiences; viewed industry-expert and celebrity question-and-answer panels and soaked up the unique atmosphere.

As well as visiting the gaming expo, students also took time out to explore downtown Los Angeles; visit Hollywood’s Walk of Stars and Chinese Theatre; travel to the famous Griffith Observatory in the Hollywood Hills and enjoy a variety of cuisines.

Find out more about the trips and visits which enhance learning at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre online at burnley.ac.uk; call 01282 733333 or email s.services@burnley.ac.uk.