Intent:
The Esports curriculum provides structured, purposeful learning through a highly engaging and relevant subject area that supports re‑engagement with education. Students are taught a broad range of transferable skills including teamwork, communication, strategic thinking, problem solving, leadership, resilience and digital literacy. Learning is carefully sequenced to build confidence, independence and positive learning behaviours over time, enabling students to experience success and take pride in their achievements.
The curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of learners within a Pupil Referral Unit, using esports as a motivating context to develop social skills, emotional regulation, and self‑discipline alongside technical knowledge. Students explore both competitive and non‑competitive roles within esports, including event management, content creation, analysis, health and wellbeing, and digital citizenship, helping them to recognise their strengths and interests.
Projects are practical and applied, allowing students to put learning into action and embed knowledge through real‑world scenarios. Industry‑relevant software, hardware and current practices are used to ensure learning is meaningful and aspirational, while also promoting safe, responsible and balanced use of technology.
Our intent is underpinned by high expectations, inclusivity and a strong belief that every student can succeed. Clear links are made to careers, qualifications, and pathways into further education, training and employment. The curriculum is regularly reviewed and adapted to ensure it remains responsive to students’ needs, supports positive outcomes, and prepares learners for life beyond School.
Implementation:
The Esports curriculum is delivered through a structured and flexible approach that supports engagement, positive behaviour and progression. Learning is organised into clearly sequenced units, with a strong emphasis on practical application, vocational relevance and skill development.
Students complete two substantial coursework units across the course. These units are carefully designed to allow learners to demonstrate knowledge, creativity and independence while working towards a meaningful final outcome. Coursework tasks are broken down into manageable stages, with clear success criteria and regular opportunities for review and improvement. This approach supports learners with varying needs and promotes resilience, organisation and ownership of learning.
Teaching incorporates a balance of theoretical understanding and practical activity, including team-based projects, esports match analysis, event organisation, content creation and reflection on roles within the esports industry. Industry-relevant software and hardware are used wherever possible to ensure authenticity and engagement.
Formative assessment is embedded throughout every lesson and unit. This includes questioning, discussion, observation of practical tasks, peer and self-assessment, feedback against success criteria, and reflection activities. Formative assessment is used to identify misconceptions, adapt teaching, and provide timely, supportive feedback that helps students build confidence and make progress.
Summative assessment takes place at key points within each unit, including the completion of coursework components, end-of-unit assessments, and final project submissions. Summative tasks are designed to assess both subject knowledge and transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, planning and problem solving. Assessment outcomes are used to inform next steps, celebrate achievement, and support progression pathways.
Assessment methods are adapted where appropriate to meet individual needs, ensuring that all learners can access the curriculum and demonstrate success. Progress is regularly reviewed, and the curriculum is adjusted to ensure it remains responsive, inclusive and ambitious for every student.
Impact:
The Esports curriculum has a positive impact on student engagement, attendance and attitudes to learning within the Pupil Referral Unit. By using a highly relevant and motivating subject, students are re‑engaged with education and demonstrate increased confidence, improved behaviour for learning, and a willingness to take part in structured activities.
Students make measurable progress in both subject‑specific knowledge and transferable life skills, including communication, teamwork, leadership, resilience, problem solving and self‑reflection. The completion of two coursework units enables learners to experience success, develop a sense of achievement and take pride in producing meaningful, high‑quality work.
Regular formative and summative assessment shows that students are able to recall knowledge, apply skills independently and build on prior learning over time. Learners develop a clearer understanding of expectations, are better able to regulate their behaviour, and demonstrate improved focus, perseverance and collaboration.
The curriculum supports successful progression by increasing awareness of career pathways, further education and training opportunities within and beyond the esports industry. Students leave the provision with improved digital literacy, employability skills and a more positive outlook on their own potential. Overall, the impact of the Esports curriculum is seen in improved engagement, personal development, and readiness for the next stage of education, employment or training.