Scarisbrick Hall School: building esports into the E3 programme

In 2024 Scarisbrick Hall School launched an esports programme as part of its E3 (Engage, Enrich, Excel) initiative, built with DAIGON. The aim: use something pupils already love to raise engagement, build teamwork and open pathways towards STEM careers.

At a glance

• 24 pupils in the E3 esports sessions (Years 7 and 8), plus an after-school club for Years 5 and 6
• 200+ pupils asked to join the competition teams
• 6 teams entered the ISA Esports competition, and all six qualified for the National Finals in London
• 2 Minecraft teams qualified for the World Championships in Malta

Why the school chose esports

The school recognised the growing interest in esports among its pupils and the educational value of bringing it into the curriculum. Modern education has to evolve with the interests and needs of students, and esports offered a way to do exactly that: a dynamic, inclusive learning environment that captures pupils’ interest and equips them with skills for the future.

Accessibility

Esports can be played by anyone with a computer and an internet connection, so pupils of every background and ability can take part and benefit.

Inclusivity

Pupils who may not excel in traditional sports find their niche, building confidence and friendships. The collaborative nature of the games promotes teamwork and communication.

Engagement

Using games pupils are passionate about captures their interest and motivates them to take an active part.

Skill development

Strategic thinking, problem-solving and decision-making, plus a spark of interest in coding, game design and software development. Pupils build digital literacy, resilience and adaptability, the 21st-century skills employers value.

What is the E3 programme?

E3 gives pupils from Reception to Year 10 a range of curriculum sessions beyond the core subjects, from sign language and photography to building a racing car. Esports was added because it reflects the school’s commitment to diverse, innovative opportunities. The programme rests on three principles:

• Engage — activities that are enjoyable and educational, building a passion for learning and a sense of belonging.
• Enrich — creative expression, physical activity and intellectual challenge for a well-rounded skill set.
• Excel — a culture of high achievement where pupils set and reach their own goals.

Aims and objectives

01 — Enhance student engagement

Use the popularity of esports to raise participation and interest in school life. Engaged pupils attend more, join more activities and perform better.

02 — Foster teamwork and social skills

Team-based games develop communication, strategic planning and collaborative problem-solving: skills that carry into group projects, workplaces and leadership roles.

03 — Promote STEM education and real-life links

The curriculum weaves in STEM topics so pupils see real-world applications and are inspired to study and work in technology and engineering.

Working with DAIGON

The school started by identifying pupils passionate about gaming: more than 200 asked to join. Buy-in from senior staff came quickly, because the programme brought educational benefits and opportunities such as the ISA Esports competition. The IT department made sure the hardware and connectivity were in place.

DAIGON’s own aims matched what the school was looking for, and its platform made it possible to build a curriculum for the E3 programme, with the technical support and know-how the school did not have in-house:

• 21st-century skills — critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and resilience.
• Inclusion — every pupil can find their place to shine and belong at school.
• New success pathways — towards scholarships and careers in the growing esports industry.

“We saw the potential of esports to engage students in a unique way and provide them with valuable skills for the future.”

— Staff member, Scarisbrick Hall School

“I was so excited when I heard about the esports programme. It’s a dream come true to play games and learn at the same time!”

— Pupil

How the sessions run

Sessions take place every Thursday from 2:25pm to 4:05pm in Minecraft, mixing practice with reflection on the strategies used. Some weeks pupils work as a team, others individually, through parkour, capture the flag, Bedwars, PvP, creative builds, comic-strip creation and mini-games.

Each week focuses on one soft skill. Progress is tracked on the DAIGON platform every term, and at the end of each term pupils present what they learned in a PowerPoint or a Minecraft world.

• Teamwork — collaborating, sharing responsibilities and supporting each other towards a common goal.
• Resilience — persevering through setbacks and bouncing back from failure.
• Communication — coordinating strategies and making quick decisions; conveying ideas clearly and listening actively.
• Problem-solving — thinking critically to overcome obstacles.
• Self-confidence — success and steady improvement boost self-esteem.

“The setup was amazing! We had everything we needed to play and learn effectively. It was easy to know what skill we were working on each week. My favourite was PvP and teamwork.”

— Pupil

Student progression

Pupil A

Pupil A, who is autistic, had only ever played Minecraft in PvP mode. Through the programme he discovered the calming music of creative mode and took up creative building for the first time, gaining a new way to enjoy the game, new skills and a real sense of accomplishment.

“Playing in creative mode was a whole new experience for me. It was so calming, and I loved building things I never thought I could.”

Pupil B

Pupil B is academic and sporty, and his focus was resilience. On a parkour level he once became so frustrated that he “rage quit”. Over time he learned to calm himself and accept that it is fine to make mistakes and try again, in gaming and beyond.

“I used to get so frustrated when I couldn’t complete a level. Now I know it’s okay to make mistakes and keep trying. It’s made me more resilient.”

Most pupils started out fixed on how they had always played. Over the year they worked through tasks they enjoyed more and less, all building vital skills, and they can now say how those skills will help them in future careers.

“Playing Minecraft in different ways has shown me how to think creatively and solve problems. I can see how these skills will be useful in any career I choose.”

Benefits for future careers

• Career readiness — strategic thinking, problem-solving and teamwork are valued in every industry.
• Soft skills — communication, resilience and adaptability for personal and professional life.
• Confidence and self-esteem — success in something they love carries into new challenges.
• Networking — connections with peers, mentors and industry, and friendships that would not otherwise have formed.

Competing: from the ISA rounds to Malta

Alongside E3, the school entered six teams in the ISA Esports competition, around 15 pupils in Minecraft and 9 in Rocket League. With more than 200 pupils keen to take part, an in-house capture-the-flag tournament for Minecraft and a Rocket League tournament picked the teams, who then battled through the weekly ISA rounds against other schools.

All six teams qualified for the National Finals in London, in both Minecraft and Rocket League. The pupils travelled down by coach and played exceptionally well against strong teams from across the country. The highlight: two Minecraft teams qualified for the World Championships in Malta.

“Travelling to London for the finals was an incredible experience. We worked so hard, and it was amazing to see our efforts pay off.”

“Qualifying for the World Championships in Malta is a dream come true. I can’t wait to compete on an international stage!”

What pupils and staff say

Pupils reported high satisfaction, and staff saw better engagement, behaviour, social interaction and teamwork, and even academic performance.

“I have enjoyed being able to play games and learn new skills. This has helped me be more resilient and not worry when I lose a game.”

“This programme has helped me meet new friends who I would not usually be with at school.”

“Esports has become one of the most popular clubs in the school — it is giving rugby a run for its money! It has developed camaraderie amongst students that we strive to develop.”

— Staff, Scarisbrick Hall School

Conclusion

Esports at Scarisbrick Hall School has raised engagement, built teamwork and promoted STEM. By working with DAIGON, the school created an inclusive programme and curriculum that prepares pupils for future opportunities in technology and beyond.

Written by Rachael Hanmer-Bird, Esports Lead at Scarisbrick Hall School.

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