Esports Education: How Selkirk High is Leveling Up the Future
At over six feet tall, 16-year-old Alfie towers over his peers, but you won’t find him dominating the rugby field. Instead, he’s commanding a different arena: a high-stakes esports tournament at Selkirk High School. Surrounded by banks of glowing screens and a lunch hall packed with hundreds of cheering students, Alfie and his small team are rewriting what school sports can be. This isn’t just fun and games—it’s the cutting edge of education, where esports is unlocking a world of career possibilities for a new generation.
A New Game Plan: The NPA in Esports
Selkirk High is one of the pioneering schools offering the National Progression Award (NPA) in Esports, equivalent to a Higher. Alongside six classmates, Alfie is diving into a curriculum that’s anything but ordinary. “At first, I thought, ‘Esports at school? That’s weird,’” he admits. “But then it hit me—this is exciting.” Far from endless gaming sessions, the course unpacks the multi-billion-pound esports industry, from its history to its booming job market. Think nutritionists for pro gamers, event planners, and tech innovators—not just players.
Beyond the Controller: Skills That Win
Alfie’s revelation? Esports isn’t about button-mashing. “We’ve studied the business side—how people make money—and the history,” he says. “I had no idea you could be a nutritionist for players!” The course blends research, teamwork, and problem-solving, all wrapped in a subject students love. Organizing their inter-house tournament was no small feat—sourcing equipment, rallying players, and troubleshooting tech glitches took months of grit and planning.
From Skeptics to Champions
Paul Graham, a digital education expert with Scottish Borders Council, recalls the raised eyebrows when esports hit the classroom. “People were skeptical—until they saw the skills it builds,” he says. “Passion drives learning here.” Gaming is just a sliver of the syllabus; the real focus is on transferable talents—think creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Graham’s vision? Esports courses in every school, paving a path from qualifications to college and university degrees.
The Tournament That Stole the Show
The Selkirk tournament was a roaring success. Deafening cheers echoed through the lunch hall as students rallied behind their teams. Back in class, teacher Richard Willan, Selkirk’s creativity and enterprise lead, guided a debrief. “What worked? What flopped? How do we level up next time?” he asked. His pride shines through: “This course puts learning in context—literacy, numeracy, teamwork—all tied to something they’re passionate about.” Students even sacrificed free time to make it happen.
A Career Spawn Point
The global esports industry is exploding, with jobs sprouting in tech, media, and beyond. Selkirk’s program isn’t just a novelty—it’s a launchpad. “We’re inspiring creators, developers, and entrepreneurs,” Graham says. For Alfie, it’s a wake-up call: a hobby he loved could become a paycheck. As the class dissects their tournament’s highs and lows, they’re already strategizing for the future—proof this isn’t child’s play, but a serious step toward success.
