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On the last Saturday in January, Bargoed Library was transformed. It looked like it had been hired out for a big children’s party with every table in the large open space occupied by children of all ages. 

There were board games, chess sets, comic books, mounds of Pokémon cards and even games about fractions. The latter was perhaps a giveaway that this was something a little different. 

That’s because Caerphilly Table-Top and Gamers Society brought their science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) based gaming sessions to Bargoed.

Caerphilly Observer attended the first ever event and spoke to organiser Vik Yadh.

“We’re very, very happy indeed,” said Vik, who explained how the turnout had surpassed his expectations.

“At one point we actually lost count,” he added.

The high numbers were partly to do with a little bit of confusion – children have to be over eight-years-old to be left unattended – but clearly, word had gotten out. 

According to Vik, children from lots of schools, such as nearby St Gwladys Primary and Heolddu Comprehensive, came to the event, which ran from 10am to 4pm and took over two floors of the library. 

At the gaming sessions, children are away from screens, computers, smartphones, and iPads. Instead, they are engaging and chatting in person over games that often have educational value aimed at improving their maths and communication skills. 

Federica Dragoni is a gaming volunteer and brings maths expertise with her – she is a professor at the School of Mathematics at Cardiff University. 

She said: “We have one hour – but it usually gets longer – where we try to involve as many children as possible to do some mathematics through games.”

Federica, who brings some of her own games along with her, believes a change in how people approach mathematics is needed. 

“It’s important because in school in the UK they tend to do mathematics in a very boring way,” said Federica, adding that maths is taught without the so-called good parts. She explained how the equivalent would be if English lessons removed reading and writing stories and left just spelling. 

“Children grow up hating the subject because there is never a fun part where you play with what you have learned,” Federica continued – the club aims to add that fun part. 

Improving STEM education is important on a wider level too. While STEM jobs continue to increase, 43% of those jobs are difficult to fill, according to the UK Commission’s Employer Skills Survey 2013.

STEM education and training is a focus of the Welsh Government. In the STEM Action Plan from 2018, STEM was considered integral to the future success of Wales. 

The report states: “The importance of our children and young people developing (STEM) skills and knowledge at all levels is widely acknowledged. These skills are essential to the development of a prosperous and sustainable knowledge economy in Wales.” 

Similar sessions have been running in Caerphilly Library for some time but these are the first in the north of the borough thanks to funding from Bargoed Town Council.

Speaking on the day, Vik said: “The town council came in this morning and they’ve been really impressed with the numbers.”

One of those town councillors was Cllr Josie Bissex, who said the purpose of the sessions was to “engage” young people in the area. 

“I think the kids need it, don’t they?” said Cllr Bissex, who spoke of how children can feel “isolated” with rise of technology and lack of activities.

“It’s nice to see them socialising with the others instead of being stuck in their bedroom,” she said.

Cllr Bissex also praised the enthusiasm and knowledge of the children who participated and said: “They’re incredibly clever.” 

One of those children is Luke, who along with his mother Angela Williams, came to the first ever Bargoed club after regularly attending in Caerphilly. 

“When Vik said he was starting this one and wasn’t sure about numbers we said we’ll come along and support,” said Angela. 

It helps that there is free parking, Angela joked, but the volunteers have taught Luke a lot. 

“Luke learnt so much from them and he still does to be fair,” added Angela.

It has also helped his social skills. “He’s quite a shy person. He has come out of his shell,” she continued.

In fact, Luke has so much knowledge and is so comfortable that he is now a volunteer who now helps run the games. 

Another volunteer is Elizabeth McMorrow who started volunteering as an A-Level student with the gaming society. It was a way to socialise outside of school. 

“It’s really taught me better communication skills with a lot of different age groups,” said Elizabeth.

There are other benefits for Elizabeth, who is completing a Master’s degree in Game Enterprise, like gaining some invaluable work experience.

“This is the closest thing I’ve got to a level of work experience,” added Elizabeth, “as a student, it’s really hard to get a job.

“Vik has said he’ll be a reference for me if I need it which is great.

“And it is a way for me to do something as well that’s not screen-based because my degree is very screen-based,” added Elizabeth.

Fun, however, remains the top priority.

“I mostly come here because I really enjoy it,” added Elizabeth, who leads Pokémon games at the club, “I get other people excited about what games I’m excited about and it’s really nice.”

The STEM gaming sessions in Bargoed will run for the whole of 2023, except in August, but Vik hopes to continue the initiative or even expand it. Lucky, then, that he has bundles of energy – he runs most days and completes ultra marathons. 

The ultimate goal, according to Vik, is to “help the community” and it seems to be off to a good start.

“It’s been packed,” he said, “everybody’s had a really enjoyable day.”

The next session will take place in Bargoed Library on March 25 from 10am to 4pm.