Taught by a top VCE Software, Methods, and Specialist student

Stop playing
Start developing

I take your child from a consumer to a creator, teaching them real programming through the lens of Minecraft modding.

Java
industry's #1 language by employer demand
Units 1-4
VCE content covered years early
1:1
my full attention, no distractions
Free*
first session. $40/h from then

What competitive advantage
does your child get?

STEM admission is increasingly competitive. While I teach the real programming that is becoming even more mandatory just to stay afloat, I also teach the mindset and habits of a professional.

Learn the art of problem-solving

Programming is inherintly about finding, assessing, and solving problems in the most efficient way. Through this program, I sharpen your child's critical thinking skills, and hope to instill in them a mindset that learns to appreciate problems.

Professional tools, no toy substitutes

Other programs might use Scratch or block coding, but I use InteliJ IDEA and Gradle, exactly the same as the top engineers at Google and Microsoft. From day one, your child builds habits and muscle memory that apply universally.

The most employable programming language

Java is consistently one of the most used programming languages globally, and is what is primarily taught in Go8 unis. Starting now means your child walks into first year already fluent, and can focus on the complex algorithms (i.e. the fun stuff).

Confidence in an AI-Driven World

AI is rapidly eliminating roles, no doubt. But those who understand how AI systems are built (and how to use them) will lead, which requires an understanding of programming. I put your child in a position to be at the forefront of the AI revolution.

Common doubts

Hopefully these can answer any simple questions you have.

What even is a Minecraft mod?
A mod (short for modification) is a custom extension written in the Java programming language that plugs into Minecraft and changes how the game behaves. Mods can add new items, creatures, weapons, or even re-write entire mechanics. They're distributed as a single .jar file that anyone can drop into their Minecraft folder; your child can share what they've built with friends the moment it's finished.
My child has no coding experience. Will they keep up?
I design the curriculum around someone with zero programming experience. The difference is I don't lower the standard, I encourage your child to reach higher. Your child will be writing functional Java code within the first session, from scratch. Of course, if they already have some programming experience, all the better, but this is the exception.
What's the outcome after 5 sessions?
Your child will have independently written a working Java program consisting of multiple classes, a fully functional Minecraft mod. They'll understand object-oriented programming, conditional logic, and compiled builds. They will have the satisfaction of owning their creation, and being able to get genuine fun out of it.
What do we need?
A Windows or Mac computer, Minecraft Java Edition, and an internet connection. The quality of the device will impact loading times, but if it can run Minecraft smoothly it should be fine. Some form of microphone is also required, and a webcam is optional.
My child is outside Years 5–8. Can they still join?
The Year 5–8 range is a guide, not set in stone. Motivation matters much more. If they are in the range of Years 3-10, I am happy to teach them, but acknowledge that it may take longer and I would generally recommend against it for these younger students.
How are sessions held, and for how long?
All sessions run online via Google Meet. Each session is one hour long. Your child shares their screen so I can see their code in real time, give live feedback, and give my help if they can't figure a problem out. It's the same quality as in person, but allows for more flexible schedules better aligned to busy lives.
My child has some form of developmental disability. Can they still join?
Yes, absolutely. I am more than happy to teach children with any form of disability, however, if it is something that could require special accomodations, please send me an email so I can adjust the curriculm with them in mind.

5 Weeks, 5 Hours.
No time wasted.

While other programs might shy away from the higher concepts, I believe that your child can and will rise to the occasion.

01
JAVA SYNTAX · METHODS · EVENTS

Environment Install & Custom Items

We finish setting up the professional developer environment and immediately jump into the code. I guide your child through creating a new item that grants custom potion effects, teaching basic Java syntax and conventions.

02
OOP · CLASSES · INHERITANCE · ENCAPSULATION

Custom Sword & Object-Oriented Programming

We create a unique sword with customisable stats, and in doing so I teach the fundamental principles of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). This includes classes, inheritance, and encapsulation, which are where the majority of VCE Software Dev marks lie.

03
CONDITIONAL LOGIC · BOOLEAN OPERATORS · CONTROL FLOW

Advanced Abilities & Conditional Logic

Building on the previous lesson, we add conditional logic to the sword which is the final pillar of VCE Software Development knowledge. For example, a custom magical sword that summons lighting IF the player right clicks.

04
CODE REUSE · COMPLEX CONDITIONS · SYSTEM DESIGN

Code Reuse & Custom Armour Sets

We reinforce the core concepts by applying them in a new situation, by referencing their prior code. I have your child create a custom armour set with unique passive abilities that apply only if the full set is being worn.

05
BUILD SYSTEMS · COMPILATION · DEPLOYMENT

Extension and Final Build

In the final lesson we either catch up on any unfinalised code, or I push ahead into more advanced concepts. We then go through the build process, which turns everything written over the past five weeks into a real, distributable file your child can share with their friends.

A bit about me!

👨‍💻

Oliver Hogan

JAVA DEVELOPER & TUTOR · VICTORIA

Hi, I'm Oliver, a current year 11 student in Geelong. I am doing VCE Software Development Units 3 and 4, as well as Methods Units 3 and 4. I started this as a way to help fund my university education, but also because I understand the struggles of trying to learn something you feel like you ought to enjoy. This was how I learned, but I suffered from burnout a lot and it took me 10x longer than if I had a coach. Through this program, I truly hope to spark a fire in your child which will give them great confidence in their life, even outside Minecraft mod development.

Outside of my standard academics, I am an amateur triathlete, a tennis player, and have a passion for philosophy and urban planning. And of course, I do genuinely enjoy teaching and being a mentor.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me personally at oliver@oliverscoding.com

Honest pricing.

$40
per hour · 1-on-1 session
  • Live instruction via Google Meet with screen sharing
  • Pushing your child, but still working at their pace.
  • Authentic, self-written code at the end of every session
  • Fully structured and planned curriculum
  • VCE Software Development concepts from session one
Book the Free First Session

First session is completely free, no credit card info required

The earlier they start,
the wider the gap.

The times available are automatically synced with my calendar, choose what works best for you.

First session free · No payment required · Evaluate quality before committing