Levelling education through esports
This semester, we launched a pioneering initiative at the ECIS Leadership Conference in the realm of esports
LEVELLING UP EDUCATION THROUGH ESPORTS
This semester, we were thrilled to launch a pioneering initiative at the ECIS Leadership Conference in the realm of esports with a Rocket League showcase featuring several talented ACS Egham students from Grades 8 to 11. This event marks a significant step towards inclusivity by engaging students who might not typically participate in traditional sports activities. The showcase provided a unique platform for these students to demonstrate their skills, teamwork, and strategic thinking in a highly competitive environment.
In addition to the gameplay, our students also honed their skills in event logistics, content creation, and project management by planning the event schedule and timeline, managing the audio and visual setup, and game configuration. Students also took part in an insightful panel discussion where they shared their perspectives on the evolving role of esports in education. They highlighted how esports can foster a sense of community, enhance digital literacy, and develop critical problem-solving skills.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that in June, we will be hosting a school-wide Rocket League tournament, culminating in an exhilarating finale. This tournament will not only spotlight our students' gaming prowess, but also serve as a celebration of their hard work and dedication. Additionally, we are using this event to raise money for Project Nepal, supporting educational and developmental initiatives in Nepal. This charitable aspect underscores the community spirit and global awareness that we aim to foster through our esports programme.
Building on this momentum, next year we are set to expand our esports curriculum for Grade 9 students. This new programme will offer students the chance to immerse themselves in various roles associated with the development and execution of esports events. Beyond logistics, students will take on numerous technical and creative responsibilities, including costume design, mascot creation, logo design, and web development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The program will also emphasise the technical components and organisational skills required to set up and manage such events.
To support this initiative, we will be installing state-of-the-art Windows PCs equipped with dedicated graphics cards, enabling the creation of games with demanding graphics. While these roles are directly related to the esports industry, the skills developed through this programme - such as creativity, technical proficiency, organisation, and project management - are highly transferable and valuable across a wide range of disciplines and careers. This comprehensive curriculum aims to equip students with a versatile skill set that will serve them well in numerous fields, ensuring they are well-prepared for future opportunities.
We are incredibly excited about the potential of our esports programme to engage and inspire students across our community, and we look forward to the innovative projects and events that will emerge from this initiative.
Colin Chambers, Teacher of Computer Science at ACS Egham
