This year we have established a brand new, state of the art Esports hub within our school, allowing us to prepare our students for tomorrow, today. Working in partnership with the British Esports Foundation and the Leadership Skills Foundation, we are the first school in Northern Ireland to deliver this as part of our curriculum with Year 12 pupils working towards achieving a BTEC Level 2 Award in Esports, as well as a Level 2 Qualification in Leadership Skills (through Esports). Using the latest technology and opportunities for competitive gaming, the door has been opened for our pupils to explore all that Esports has to offer, especially as they transition on to further education. Our pupils have diagnoses of SEN and through Esports are able to compete nationally in Esports Championships against pupils in mainstream contexts without the need for adjustments, dilutions, or rule changes – giving pupils the opportunity to excel by using their impressive skills and talents.

Within the BTEC course, our students focus on 2 key units of work exploring key Esports genres, games, teamsand tournaments, as well as gaining an understanding and appreciation for how teams are established and the ways in which they can compete locally and globally in tournaments and leagues. As part of The Leadership Skills Foundation course, pupils will experience and learn about aspects of planning, leading and reviewing Esports activities, with a focus on personal leadership development.

Through immersion in the world of Esports, our students will learn to research, analyse, report write, present information, and develop entrepreneurial skills. They will connect with others in teamwork, increase their perceptual skills, decision making, speed of processing and multitasking skills, and develop their communication, confidence and leadership. For our young people, these skills are crucially important and using Esports as a platform to develop these skills ensures engagement and accessibility. Additionally, we have established an Esports Club/Academy that offers pupils as young as 11 the opportunity to engage with Esports and its benefits. Pupils compete weekly with each other and wider afield.

Success of our new Esports provision will be measured by our Year 12 pupils demonstrating clear, comprehensive understanding of the subject and achievement of their BTEC and Leadership qualifications. Current pupils engaged in the British Esports Rocket League Student Championships will show commitment, resilience, and an increased development of skills and teamwork measured through matches played and outcomes.