School turns classroom into gaming suite

IT SOUNDS like every gaming teenager's dream a school lesson where you are encouraged to drive Formula 1 simulators, play Fortnite, Overwatch, League of Legends and other games. At the end of two years of classes you get a qualification and maybe a step up to a career in the pastime you love.

- ABBIE WIGHTWICK

But this isn't a dream, it's reality for students at Cardiff's Mary Immaculate High. This term it became the first school in Wales to have a state-of-the art esports suite designed not just for competitive gaming, but for developing a range of associated academic, technical and personal skills.

The £130,00 purpose-built suite has 25 gaming PCs and two Formula 1 simulators. Pupils can use the suite before, during and after school and have the opportunity to study the subject as part of the Key Stage 4 curriculum, with a Btec in esports being offered from Year 9.

For those not familiar with gaming, esports is organised, competitive video gaming played at both professional and amateur levels.

It is watched by millions of people worldwide and with a rapidly growing industry has projected revenues of £3.5b globally, and £184m in the UK.

Mary Immaculate headteacher Huw Powell and his staff realised the industry is more than just fun and games. It also offers opportunities for pupils. After making their case they got the £130,000 needed for the suite from the local education authority.

Year nine friends Oreoluwa, Michael and Kascper, all 13, are all taking esports as one of their optional subjects in the first group able to do so. All are keen gamers at home and can't believe their luck going into Year 9 just as the suite and subject opened.