Welcome to the AEL Minecraft Challenge Series 1, an exciting hands-on program designed to complement classroom learning and boost students’ research, communication, and presentation skills. Registrations close on the 28th of February, so gather your teams and get ready to build, create, and collaborate like never before!
What is the AEL Minecraft Challenge Series 1?
The Challenge is a project-based competition where students use Minecraft: Education Edition to address one of three unique themes. By encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, we aim to empower students to engage with the curriculum in a fun, interactive format. Perfect for cross-curricular integration, especially in ICT, Humanities, STEM, and Creative Arts.
The Three Themes in Series 1 2025
Years 4–6: Australia’s Dreaming
Brief: Students explore and interpret a story from the Dreaming (or Dreamtime). They must create an authentic representation of the story’s characters, setting, and cultural significance within Minecraft.
Focus: Cultural respect, narrative understanding, and clear documentation of the research process.
Years 7–9: Global Marvels
Brief: Students select a significant man-made monument, ranging from ancient wonders to modern marvels, and recreate it in Minecraft.
Focus: Historical context, architectural details, engineering achievements, and lasting impact on society.
Years 10–12: Tomorrow’s Workforce
Brief: Students choose a career field (STEM, creative industries, healthcare, trades, office work, etc.) and design a realistic or visionary environment showcasing key tasks, tools, and challenges.
Focus: Forward-thinking design, careers, industry knowledge, problem-solving, and an understanding of workplace demands.
Communication & Presentation Skills
Beyond building in Minecraft, teams must present their learning journey; showing research, cultural understanding, or real-world context. By articulating their design choices and the knowledge gained, students develop presentation and communication skills that will serve them well beyond this challenge.
Deadline and Prizes
Registrations Close: 28 February
Event Run: 3 March – 23 May
Prizes: Winning teams receive a custom-made trophy from Hench & Scrap, a unique keepsake to celebrate their hard work and innovation, medals and a gaming monitor from AGON by AOC and vouchers.
We also encourage everyone to check out the previous year’s winners from series 1 and 2 to see how creativity and determination lead to stunning Minecraft builds: https://ael.org.au/minecraft-results
Why Participate?
Hands-On Learning: A fun, immersive way to apply classroom theory.
Cross-Curricular Skills: Integrates research, team work, technology, and creative thinking.
Boosts Engagement: Minecraft is popular among students, sparking enthusiasm for learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages research, planning, and time-management skills.
Team Building: Collaboration in design, division of tasks, and constructive feedback cycles.
Presentation: Presenting their work builds confidence, self-analytical skills and effective communication.
How to Register
Form Your Team: Students can work in groups that align with the required year levels.
Complete the Online Form: Provide school details, teacher contact, and any relevant information.
Receive Confirmation: We’ll send you a welcome email with next steps, resources, and guidelines.
Start Building: Once the challenge begins on 3 March, let your students’ imaginations run wild!
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to blend technology, culture, and future-ready skills. Sign your school up by 28 February and watch your students develop their teamwork, creativity, and presentation abilities in the AEL Minecraft Challenge Series 1. We can’t wait to see what your classrooms will create!
For the first time ever, the winners of a Minecraft tournament took centre court on Rod Laver Arena during the final day of the 2025 Australian Open. After making their way down the prestigious Walk of Champions, four outstanding student teams were celebrated for their vision, creativity, and technical prowess in reimagining the future of the Australian Open through Minecraft Education.
These champions dazzled judges with innovative designs that integrated sustainability, community engagement, and cutting-edge technology; all while capturing the essence of Australia’s most iconic tennis tournament.
And the Winners Are …
Years 10–11: Bowen from Denmark Senior High School (WA)
Judges’ Highlights:
Real-World Insights: Integrated sustainable methods inspired by Bowen’s experience in recyclable materials sorting
Innovative Energy Solutions: Solar panels on Margaret Court Arena and Rod Laver Arena, solar-powered streetlamps, eco-friendly helium wind turbines
Future-Forward Transportation: “Floating futures” concept with blimps for low-impact travel
Authentic Representation: Faithfully captured iconic Australian Open venues at a grand scale
“Bowen’s thoughtful approach to sustainability and technology took this build to the next level,” said one of the judges. “From solar-powered infrastructure to imaginative wind turbines, every detail was carefully crafted to envision a future we can all aspire to.”
Winning Moment: View Bowen proudly holding his trophy, alongside images of his expansive Minecraft build featuring advanced renewable energy systems, floating blimps, and meticulously detailed stadiums.
Years 7–9: Elyse and Madison from Doncaster Secondary College (VIC)
Sustainability: Recycling bins, solar-powered lights, and carefully planned green spaces
Community Engagement: Fan zones, practice courts, and wide walkways
Attention to Detail: Train station and multiple transport options for easy access
“Minecraft Dirt Blocks showcased an outstanding commitment to inclusivity and sustainability through an expansive, beautifully designed stadium complex,” noted the judging panel. “From unisex toilets to wheelchair ramps, the attention to detail truly set this submission apart.”
Winning Moment: Check out the team’s celebratory photo holding their trophy and screenshots of their immersive build, complete with colourful fan zones and meticulously rendered tennis courts.
Years 4–6: Mary-Jane, Eva, and Alexandra from Daisy Hill State School (QLD)
Judges’ Highlights:
Stadium Representation & Branding: Exceptional build and representation of MCA, carefully planned parking and entry points, alongside striking AO and MCA branding.
Sustainability & Technology: Fantastic technological advancements in the solar panels and wind turbines, smart use of Minecraft Education’s library resources and thoughtful signage.
Design & Accessibility: Sleek design and colour scape, with segmented activity spaces that are accessible throughout.
“The polished design, from the cohesive AO branding to the sustainable energy solutions, truly set this build apart,” agreed the judging panel. “Every element—from entry points to interior details—was carefully considered, making this an impressive and inspiring vision of the Australian Open’s future.”
Winning Moment: Mary-Jane, Eva, and Alexandra celebrated with big smiles as they posed with their trophy. Screenshots of their immersive build reveal a modern, eco-friendly arena complex, complete with eye-catching signage, solar-powered features, and carefully planned spaces for fans, players, and visitors alike.
All In: Mia from St Monica’s College (QLD)
Judges’ Highlights:
Nature-Driven Design: Green roofs, compost bins, and abundant native vegetation
Sustainable Infrastructure: Solar energy usage, tempered glass, water-efficient splash park
Community & Accessibility: Sensory path, unisex facilities, lifts, and an inclusive layout
“Mia’s fusion of eco-friendly design with futuristic elements like VR and drone technology created a uniquely captivating vision,” commented the judging panel. “Her approach redefines what an ‘open’ could look like for players and fans alike.”
Winning Moment: Don’t miss Mia’s triumphant photo with her trophy and screenshots of her lush, garden-themed tennis complex, complete with a sensory path, multi-purpose courts, and a splash park for families.
A Grand Celebration
On the final day of the 2025 Australian Open, each winning team walked onto Rod Laver Arena, the same court graced by tennis legends, before receiving their medals and trophies from Tennis Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer, Cedric Cornelis, and the Australian Esports League’s CEO, Darren Kwan. This moment marked an unprecedented milestone, as it was the first time that Minecraft champions have ever taken centre stage at the world-renowned venue.
Darren Kwan, CEO of the Australian Esports League: “Congratulations to all our winners and participants! The ingenuity, sustainability, and inclusivity displayed in this year’s entries are truly remarkable. We’re proud to partner with Tennis Australia to empower students, educators, and emerging digital creators.”
Ridley Plummer, Senior Manager Digital Sales & Metaverse, Tennis Australia: “Seeing the Australian Open reimagined through Minecraft Education has been both inspiring and enlightening. We applaud everyone involved, especially the teachers and parents who supported these students in pushing the boundaries of design, technology, and community engagement.”
Exclusive Prizes and Unforgettable Experiences
In addition to their impressive trophies handcrafted by Hench & Scrap Foundry and commemorative medals, the winners also received an array of once-in-a-lifetime prizes provided by Tennis Australia. These included:
Tickets to the Women’s & Men’s Finals
A photoshoot in the Walk of Champions
Accommodation and flights to Melbourne
Transportation in an exclusive AO Kia Worldwide Player Car
From the moment they stepped onto the court to the final photo taken in the historic corridors of Melbourne Park, the students were treated to the ultimate Grand Slam experience.
Where to See the Winning Builds
Each winning submission is showcased in a dedicated online gallery. You can explore high-resolution images of the builds, complete with key feature highlights and behind-the-scenes explanations. These snapshots capture the energy and artistry that went into creating the next evolution of the Australian Open.
A special thank you to our Judging panel who deliberated over the top submissions in each category to assist in selecting the ultimate national winners.
Dr. Emma Witkowski, RMIT
Rhiannen Austin, Confessions of a Gamer Girl
Ridley Plummer, Tennis Australia
Thank You and Congratulations
We extend our sincerest gratitude to the countless teachers, parents, and support networks who encouraged these young visionaries, as well as our esteemed panel of judges for their invaluable expertise. The future of tennis and sustainable innovation looks brighter than ever thanks to these inspiring designs.
Stay tuned for more updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into what’s next for the AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge. We can’t wait to see where these budding architects and dreamers will take us next!
The Future of the Australian Open
The AO Minecraft Challenge invited students nationwide to envision how sustainability, innovation, and community engagement could shape the future of tennis. Each winning submission demonstrated a remarkable balance between ecological responsibility; through features like solar-powered arenas, recyclable materials, and green spaces; and audience inclusivity via interactive fan zones, accessible walkways, and creative use of virtual technology.
As Tennis Australia and the Australian Esports League continue to champion forward-thinking collaborations, these young designers have proven that the next generation holds the key to reshaping how we engage with and experience live sports.
Imaginative Visions of the Future Shine in the 2024 Australian Open Schools and All In Block Buster Tennis Challenge.
Students from across Australia have demonstrated extraordinary creativity and innovation in this year’s Australian Open Schools and All In Block Buster Tennis Challenge. Organized by the Australian Esports League (AEL) in partnership with Tennis Australia, the competition challenged participants to reimagine the future of the Australian Open using Minecraft Education. Students were tasked to incorporate elements such as sustainability, community, and cutting-edge technology into their designs.
This unique project saw students groups of Years 10–11, Years 7–9, and Years 4–6 work together to reimagine the iconic tennis stadiums of the Australian Open, fan zones, amenities, player facilities, transport and sustainable practices. Alongside fostering problem-solving skills and teamwork, the initiative highlighted the power of digital platforms in inspiring the next generation.
“I want to congratulate all participants in the 2024 Australian Open Schools and All In Block Buster Tennis Challenge,” says Darren Kwan, CEO of the Australian Esports League. “The level of innovation and teamwork we’ve seen is truly inspirational. Thank you to all the schools, teachers, and parents for encouraging these young creators. This partnership with Tennis Australia and Minecraft Education has shown us that the future of sports is not only about competition on the field, but also about collaboration and imagination off the field.”
“Congratulations to each and every entrant on your incredible visions for the future of the Australian Open,” adds Ridley Plummer, Senior Manager Digital Sales & Metaverse at Tennis Australia. “From thoughtful sustainability initiatives to groundbreaking technological ideas, the quality of these Minecraft Education projects was outstanding. A huge thank you also to the educators, families, and communities who supported our young innovators—and to the Australian Esports League for bringing this groundbreaking event to life.”
2024 National Winners
In this year’s challenge, students competed in three main categories based on their school year levels: Years 10-11, Years 7-9, and Years 4-6. Each category featured national finalists who took out 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as state-level champions and a solos winner. The National 1st place winners in each category will receive an exclusive experience at the upcoming Australian Open in January, plus additional prizes.
Years 10-11 Category
1st: Denmark Senior High School – Bowen H (also the WA state champion)
2nd: Encounter Lutheran College – ELC-KAFO (also the SA state champion)
3rd: Marcellin College Randwick – Blockhead Fred (also the NSW state champion)
State Champions: Phoenix P-12 Community College – The incredible builders (VIC), Marcellin College Randwick – Blockhead Fred (NSW), Lourdes Hill College – Last-Min Bamboozels (QLD), Encounter Lutheran College – ELC-KAFO (SA), Denmark Senior High School – Bowen H (WA)
1st Place Denmark Senior High School – Bowen H2nd Place Encounter Lutheran College – ELC-KAFO3rd Place Marcellin College Randwick – Blockhead Fred
Years 7-9 Category
1st: Doncaster Secondary College – Minecraft Dirt Blocks (also the VIC state champions)
2nd: Thomas More College – The Green Savers (also the SA state champions)
3rd: The Knox School – 3D Terraria
State Champions: Doncaster Secondary College – Minecraft Dirt Blocks (VIC), Concord High School – The Good Builders (NSW), Hillbrook Anglican School – Grand Slam Builders (QLD), Emmaus Christian School – Laver Legends (ACT), Emmanuel Catholic College – Megabuilders (WA), Thomas More College – The Green Savers (SA), Penguin District School – Widgaffy (TAS)
1st Place Doncaster Secondary College – Minecraft Dirt Blocks2nd Place Thomas More College – The Green Savers3rd Place The Knox School – 3D Terraria
Years 4-6 Category
1st: Daisy Hill State School – MCCAME (also the QLD state champions)
2nd: Canterbury College – CC Taipans
3rd: Daisy Hill State School – MCCHBC
State Champions: Serpell Primary – Serpell Esports (VIC), Petersham Public School – The Blockheads (NSW), Daisy Hill State School – MCCAME (QLD), Wanniassa Hills Primary School – Success (ACT), Mandurah Baptist College Primary – The Goated Destroyers (QA) and St Michael’s College Primary – Legendary Builders (SA)
1st Place Daisy Hill State School – MCCAME2nd Place Canterbury College – CC Taipans3rd Place Daisy Hill State School – MCCHBC
Solo Winners
1st: Years 7-9 – Mia L
2nd: Years 7-9 – Thomas N
3rd: Years 4-6 – Uday S
1st Place Years 7-9 – Mia L2nd Place Years 7-9 – Thomas N3rd Place Years 4-6 – Uday S
Reimagining the Future of the Australian Open
Each project tackled the exciting challenge of envisioning a digital version of the Australian Open that fosters environmental responsibility, inclusive communities, and cutting-edge technology. From solar-powered stadiums to community-driven fan engagement, the student submissions displayed remarkable creativity and passion.
All participants showcased a passion for creativity and problem-solving, making this year’s event a true celebration of Australia’s brightest young minds. The organizers extend their heartfelt gratitude to teachers, parents, and schools whose enthusiastic support helped shape a memorable experience for every competitor.
This year’s AEL Schools Minecraft Build Challenge Series 2 brought students from across Australia together to build extraordinary worlds and innovative designs. The challenge invited participants to explore three unique categories, each testing their creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork in building communities that resonate with the themes of Mythic Australia (Years 4-6), Designing for Accessibility (Years 7-9), and The Global Challenge (Years 10-12).
The entries demonstrated not only skill and artistry but also deep thought on how Minecraft can help foster imagination, inclusivity, and a sustainable future.
Each winning team will receive a custom-made trophy from Hench & Scrap, a testament to their hard work and creativity. These remarkable creations will also be showcased on our winners page located at https://ael.org.au/minecraft-results/ – featuring images from each submission including the world files for the top three in each category.
Congratulations to Our Winners! After much deliberation, our judges have selected the top builds in each category, honouring those who have truly excelled. We are thrilled to recognize the creativity and passion of each student who participated. Congratulations to our winners and everyone who brought their best ideas to this challenge!
Winners for Mythic Australia (Years 4-6):
1st Place Winner: Our Lady of the Rosary Team: OLOR Mythic Minecrafters
2nd Place Winner: St Rita’s College Team: Year 6 Storytellers
3rd Place Winner: Branxton Public School Team: The Terrible Two
1st Place Our Lady of the Rosary – Mythic Minecrafters2nd Place St Rita’s College – Year 6 Storytellers3rd Place Branxton Public School – The Terrible Two
Winners for Designing for Accessibility (Years 7-9):
1st Place Winner: Nagle College Team: Bairnsdale Warriors
2nd Place Winner: St Joseph’s College – Lochinvar Team: Gary Forever
3rd Place Winner: Gymea Technology High School Team: Harim Home
1st Place Nagle College – Bairnsdale Warriors2nd Place St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar – Gary Forever3rd Place Gymea Technology High School – Harim Home
Winners for The Global Challenge (Years 10-12):
1st Place Winner: St Edward’s College Team: St Egghead’s Builders
2nd Place Winner: Woodvale Secondary College Team: Woodvale Secondary College
3rd Place Winner: Loreto College (Coorparoo) Team: Gluppies
1st Place St Edward’s College – St Egghead’s Builders2nd Place Woodvale Secondary College3rd Place Loreto College (Coorparoo) – Gluppies
Thank You
We want to thank all students, parents, and teachers who participated and supported Series 2 of the AEL Schools Minecraft Build Challenge. We also would like to extend our thank you to the Minecraft Education and Microsoft team for working with the AEL to enable us to deliver this event using their incredible game.
Each student’s enthusiasm and dedication have made this event a resounding success. We look forward to welcoming everyone’s return in 2025. Stay tuned for more exciting challenges and opportunities to showcase your incredible talents!
Congratulations to all our winners and participants!
The Australian Esports League is sponsored by AGON by AOC the gaming monitor partner and Indomie Australia the noodle partner.
Welcome to the September edition of the AEL newsletter! As we approach the final quarter of 2024, it’s been a busy and exciting month for the AEL, with incredible events and ongoing competitions.
This month we launched our epic partnership with the Australian Open and announced the AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge, a new and unique Minecraft Education event that challenges students to re-imagine the Australian Open! We’ve seen intense competitive play across our High School and University leagues which you can re-watch the action on our Twitch or Facebook channels. PLUS we hosted two awesome activations at Oz Comic-Con in Brisbane and Sydney!
Let’s dive into some of the latest highlights and key upcoming events.
Recent AEL Events
AEL High Schools Cup Term 3 – Recap: Term 3 of the AEL High Schools Cup has wrapped up, and it’s been another thrilling season of esports action across Australia! Congratulations to all teams for their dedication and sportsmanship. You can catch detailed results on our social media, let’s celebrate our champions!
In Overwatch 2 the Division 1 winner was Kelvin Grove State College!
In Rocket League the Division 1 winner was St Peter Claver College!
In Minecraft: Capture the Flag the winner was St Peter’s Lutheran College
In Trackmania the ultimate racer was “TheBeefLessCow” from Pacific Pines State High
In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate the champion was “BowlOfRamen” from St Luke’s Catholic College
Term 4 is just around the corner, with registrations open until October 25th. Schools can sign up for their chance to compete in some of the most exciting games in esports. For more information and to register your school, visit our High Schools Cup page.
Oz Comic-Con Brisbane and OZ Comic-Con Sydney: The AEL made its mark in Brisbane on September 14-15 and in Sydney on September 21-22 with our gaming activation, where we brought the action to the show floor with our AEL Gaming Zone! Fans and attendees had the opportunity to experience some free play gaming action all weekend, meet our team, and get involved in community pick-up tournaments.
2024 AEL University Cup Series 2: The stakes are rising as we head into the playoffs for both the AEL University Cup and the AEL Elite Series. Teams have battled through tough competition, and now, the best will compete for the championship titles.
The finals will take place on October 21st, where teams will fight for top honours and prizes. Keep an eye on our socials for announcements and updates and how to watch the action live! We wish all University students competing the best of luck.
2024 AEL Schools Minecraft Competition – Series 2: This series is well underway, and we’re already seeing some creative and innovative submissions from students across Australia. All student submissions are due by October 18th with marking taking place until the winner’s are announced November 4th!
This series focuses on three themes: Mythic Australia (Years 4-6), Designing for Accessibility (Years 7-9), and The Global Challenge (Years 10-12). Each category presents a unique opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills. Learn more about the challenge here.
AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge: Don’t miss out on your chance to participate in this exciting Minecraft competition, we are challenging schools and solo entrants to reimagine the Australian Open precinct with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and innovation. Registrations for both school teams and solo participants close on October 18th. Whether you’re competing with your school or flying solo, there’s still time to join the action and showcase your creativity. Learn more and register here.
The Australian Open today announced the launch of the AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge, a collaboration with the Australian Esports League as part of its Minecraft Education Esports Programs in Schools.
The Challenge aims to inspire creativity and teamwork by inviting students from across Australia to rebuild and reimagine the iconic Australian Open precinct within the immersive world of Minecraft Education.
In addition to bringing the magic of the Australian Open to classrooms, students will have the opportunity to learn about architecture, design, and sustainability and have the chance to win a money-can’t-buy experience at AO 2025.
“The Australian Open has long been at the forefront of innovation in sports and community engagement,” Ridley Plummer, Tennis Australia’s Senior Manager Digital Sales and Metaverse said.
“The AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to engage young minds and bring the spirit of the Australian Open to a new generation. We are excited to see how students creatively reimagine one of tennis’s most iconic venues within the world of Minecraft.
“Schools play a crucial role in the tennis ecosystem in Australia, by nurturing young talent, fostering a love for the sport, and building the foundation for future champions.”
By participating in the Challenge, students will use their creativity and problem-solving skills to reimagine the Australian Open precinct, capturing its essential features while incorporating their own innovative ideas.
The project emphasises sustainable design, encouraging students to integrate eco-friendly features such as renewable energy sources, green roofs, and water conservation systems.
The interactive project will also help students enhance their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills, learn about environmental responsibility, and develop teamwork and communication abilities.
Open to all students in years four to eleven, the project fosters a sense of community and shared learning experiences. In the spirit of inclusion, there will also be an ‘ALL IN’ Tournament for home schooled students across Australia wanting to enter a build submission individually. Students whose school cannot submit teams are also encouraged to enter through the ‘ALL IN’ Tournament.
“By partnering with the Australian Open, we are taking our Minecraft Education Esports Programs to a new level, merging the excitement of esports with the creativity of Minecraft and the passion of tennis,” Sarah Jae, Director of the Australian Esports League said.
“This initiative not only promotes important educational values but also inspires the next generation of digital and sports enthusiasts. We look forward to seeing the incredible designs that students from across the country will create.
“Together with the AO, we can’t wait to welcome tens of thousands of students on this exciting journey to blend education, Australia’s love of tennis, and the boundless creativity of Minecraft.”
Participation Details
Who can participate: Students in years four to eleven, in teams of two, three or four.
Challenge duration: The challenge will run for six weeks, starting on 21st October 2024.
Submission guidelines: Participants must submit their Minecraft world file along with a brief presentation explaining their design choices and innovative features.
Prizes: Winners will receive exclusive prizes and trophies and their winning submissions will be showcased on the AO website and social channels. The national champions will be flown to Melbourne for an unforgettable AO experience. The grand prize includes a money-can’t-buy Rod Laver Arena court walk and behind-the-scenes tour, a player meet and greet, and a photoshoot with the AO trophies.
56 Schools Ignite Creativity and Innovation in Series 2 of the 2024 AEL Schools Minecraft Challenge
The Australian Esports League (AEL) is excited to announce that 56 schools across the nation are participating in Series 2 of the 2024 AEL Schools Minecraft Challenge, underscoring the increasing enthusiasm for game-based learning and innovative educational initiatives in Australia.
This continued engagement highlights the growing popularity of the competition, which encourages critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy among students. Series 2 presents new and inspiring themes tailored to different age groups, with students in years 4-6 exploring “Mythic Australia,” years 7-9 tackling “Designing for Accessibility,” and years 10-12 embracing “The Global Challenge.”
Over the next ten weeks, students will immerse themselves in these themes within Minecraft, showcasing their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative skills. From designing mythological landscapes inspired by Australia’s rich cultural heritage to creating accessible environments and addressing global challenges, students are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a digital world.
“We are thrilled to see such a positive response from schools across Australia,” said Darren Kwan, Director at AEL. “This challenge continues to demonstrate the power of Minecraft as an educational tool, where students engage with critical topics, develop essential 21st-century skills, and have fun while doing it.”
The widespread participation in Series 2 underscores the importance of interactive learning platforms like Minecraft: Education Edition in today’s education. This competition not only offers students a unique opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge creatively but also fosters a spirit of innovation and learning among schools nationwide.
The Australian Esports League extends its sincere thanks to all participating schools and looks forward to celebrating the diverse talents of students across all categories. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting educational journey!
About the AEL Schools Minecraft Challenge:
The AEL Schools Minecraft Challenge is an annual event that challenges students to build creative and innovative Minecraft worlds inspired by specific themes. The competition is open to Australian schools, with separate pools for Years 4–6, 7–9, and 10–12. For more information, visit www.ael.org.au/minecraft.
With special thanks to Mojang Studios and the Microsoft Education team in Australia.
About the Australian Esports League (AEL)
The Australian Esports League (AEL) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting esports in Australia’s education sector. With a focus on student engagement, skill development, and community building, AEL provides a platform for schools to participate in structured esports competitions and programs.
We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the first series of the 2024 AEL Minecraft Competition! This exciting event saw over 200 submissions from students across Australia, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and innovative thinking.
The competition featured three categories: Years 4-6 Neighbourhood Heroes, Years 7-9 Mathematical Marvels, and Years 10-12 Literary Landscapes. Each category highlighted the incredible talents of our young builders, who crafted detailed and imaginative Minecraft worlds.
Winners for Years 4-6 Neighbourhood Heroes:
1st place: Team Mapwee from Lauriston Girls’ School
2nd place: Team CSPS O&L from Charlestown South Public School
3rd place: Team Penguin from Sheldon College
1st Place Lauriston Girls’ School – Mapwee2nd Place Charlestown South Public School – Oliver & Levai3rd Place Sheldon College – Team Penguin
Winners for Years 7-9 Mathematical Marvels:
1st place: Team Year 9 OLSH Kensington from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Kensington
2nd place: Team One from St Johns College
3rd place: Team Three from St Johns College and 3d Terraria from the Knox School
1st Place Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Kensington – Year 92nd Place St Johns College – Team One3rd Place St Johns College – Team Three3rd Place The Knox School – 3d Terraria
Winners for Years 10-12 Literary Landscapes:
1st place: Team Cube 2 from Kardinia International College
2nd place: The Creepers from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Kensington
3rd place: Claver Crafters Senior from St Peter Claver College
1st Place Kardinia International College – Cube 22nd Place Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Kensington – The Creepers3rd Place St Peter Claver College – Claver Crafters Senior
Competition Categories
In the Years 4-6 Neighbourhood Heroes category, students designed Minecraft builds that celebrated everyday community heroes like doctors, teachers, and public servants. The Years 7-9 Mathematical Marvels category challenged students to create intricate structures that incorporated mathematical principles and concepts. For the Years 10-12 Literary Landscapes category, students brought literary worlds to life, crafting detailed environments inspired by their favourite books and stories.
Each winning team will receive a custom-made trophy from Hench & Scrap, a testament to their hard work and creativity. These remarkable creations will also be showcased on our winners page, featuring images from each submission.
About Hench & Scrap
Hench & Scrap is a renowned crafting and fabrication team known for creating incredible bespoke cosplay, props, trophies and more with a dedication to detail and worldbuilding for the games industry. Their expertise lies in transforming raw materials into stunning works of art, making them the perfect partner for awarding our talented competition winners. The custom trophies they have created are unique symbols of achievement and creativity, reflecting the hard work and dedication of each winning team.
Thank You
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the students, parents, and teachers who participated and supported this competition over the ten-week period. Your enthusiasm and dedication have made this event a resounding success. We look forward to welcoming everyone’s returning enthusiasm for Series 2, starting later this year. Stay tuned for more exciting challenges and opportunities to showcase your incredible talents!
We’re thrilled to announce an exciting new addition to our Australian Esports League Cups—Minecraft Capture The Flag! Starting from Term 2, this dynamic and strategic game will be included in both the High School and Primary School Cups, marking the debut of our very first primary school esports tournament.
What’s New? Minecraft Capture The Flag brings a fresh challenge to the arena. It’s a 5-on-5 format where teams battle to capture the most flags within a set time limit. This game tests not only quick thinking and strategy but also teamwork and communication skills.
Schedule and Registration: Both the High School and Primary School tournaments will follow a structured schedule, with Term 2 kicking off soon:
Primary School Cup:
Registrations Close: Friday, 10th May
Game Days: Every Tuesday starting 21st May to 11th June, at 3:45 PM AEST
Available for Years 4, 5 and 6
High School Cup:
Registrations Close: Friday, 10th May
Game Days: Every Saturday starting 18th May to 8th June, at 10:30 AM AEST
All students will need access to Minecraft Education edition.
Prizes and Recognition: The season champions from each cup will be awarded a trophy, celebrating their strategic prowess and teamwork. The top three teams won’t just enjoy the glory; they’ll also receive medallions and merit certificates—a testament to their skills and competitive spirit.
Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of this groundbreaking esports adventure. Whether you’re stepping into the arena for the first time or aiming to add another trophy to your collection, Minecraft Capture The Flag is your playground for creativity, strategy, and sportsmanship.
Join us this term for an unforgettable esports experience!
Over 60 Schools Ignite Creativity and Collaboration in Series 1 of the 2024 Minecraft Schools Competition
The Australian Esports League (AEL) is thrilled to announce that over 60 schools nationwide are participating in the AEL Minecraft Schools Competition Series 1, a testament to the growing enthusiasm for game-based learning and innovative education initiatives in Australia.
This marks a significant milestone for the competition, highlighting its growing appeal among educators and students alike. Organized to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy, the challenge spans various themes tailored to different age groups. For those in years 4-6 they tackle “Neighbourhood Heroes”, those in years 7-9 they tackle “Mathematical Marvels” and for those in years 10-12 they will tackle “Literary Landscapes”
Students in are showcasing their creativity, problem-solving, and collaborative skills as they spend the next ten weeks working on these exciting themes within Minecraft. They’re designing neighborhoods celebrating community heroes, visualizing mathematical concepts through historical architecture, and transforming the essence of Australian literature into immersive landscapes.
“We are overwhelmed by the positive response from Australian schools,” said Darren Kwan, Director at AEL. “This competition demonstrates the power of Minecraft as a transformative educational tool. Students are engaging with subjects in new ways, developing essential 21st-century skills, and having a blast doing it!”
This broad participation underscores the importance of interactive learning platforms like Minecraft: Education Edition in modern education. The competition not only offers students a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a creative setting but also brings together schools in a spirited exchange of innovation and learning.
Everyone at the Australian Esports League extends their heartfelt thanks to all participating schools and looks forward to showcasing the diverse talents of students across all categories. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting educational journey!
About the AEL Minecraft Schools Competition:
The AEL Minecraft Schools Competition is an annual event that challenges students to build creative and innovative Minecraft worlds inspired by specific themes. The competition is open to Australian schools, with separate pools for Years 4–6, 7–9, and 10–12. For more information, visit www.ael.org.au/minecraft.
With special thanks to Mojang Studios and the Microsoft Education team in Australia.
About the Australian Esports League (AEL)
The Australian Esports League (AEL) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting esports in Australia’s education sector. With a focus on student engagement, skill development, and community building, AEL provides a platform for schools to participate in structured esports competitions and programs.
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