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Winners Announced for the 2024 Australian Open Schools and All In Block Buster Tennis Challenge

By Events, High School Cup, Minecraft, News, Primary School Cup

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)

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)

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)

Solo Winners

  • 1st: Years 7-9 – Mia L
  • 2nd: Years 7-9 – Thomas N
  • 3rd: 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.

To see all submissions visit the results page here: https://ael.org.au/aochallengeresults/

Announcing the Winners of the 2024 AEL Schools Minecraft Build Challenge Series 2

By High School Cup, Minecraft, News, Primary School Cup

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):

  1. 1st Place Winner: Our Lady of the Rosary
    Team: OLOR Mythic Minecrafters
  2. 2nd Place Winner: St Rita’s College
    Team: Year 6 Storytellers
  3. 3rd Place Winner: Branxton Public School
    Team: The Terrible Two

Winners for Designing for Accessibility (Years 7-9):

  1. 1st Place Winner: Nagle College
    Team: Bairnsdale Warriors
  2. 2nd Place Winner: St Joseph’s College – Lochinvar
    Team: Gary Forever
  3. 3rd Place Winner: Gymea Technology High School
    Team: Harim Home

Winners for The Global Challenge (Years 10-12):

  1. 1st Place Winner: St Edward’s College
    Team: St Egghead’s Builders
  2. 2nd Place Winner: Woodvale Secondary College
    Team: Woodvale Secondary College
  3. 3rd Place Winner: Loreto College (Coorparoo)
    Team: 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.

Australian Esports League Monthly Update – September 2024

By Events, High School Cup, Minecraft, News, Primary School Cup, University Cup

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.

We’ve captured some fantastic moments from both weekends. Be sure to check out our photo albums for a recap of the event: Photo Album – Brisbane, Photo Album – Sydney.

Upcoming AEL Events

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 AEL is proudly supported by its partners:

AGON by AOC the gaming monitor partner

Indomie Australia the noodle partner

‘AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge’ launched on Minecraft Education

By Events, Minecraft, News

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.  

For more information on how to participate, visit ael.org.au/aochallenge.

AO Schools Block Buster Tennis Challenge is not an official Minecraft Education event. It is not approved by or associated with Mojang or Microsoft.

Welcoming all schools to Series 2 of the 2024 AEL Schools Minecraft Challenge!

By High School Cup, Minecraft, Primary School Cup

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.

Celebrating Creativity and Collaboration: Winners of the 2024 AEL Minecraft Competition Series 1

By High School Cup, Minecraft, News, Primary School Cup

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:

  1. 1st place: Team Mapwee from Lauriston Girls’ School
  2. 2nd place: Team CSPS O&L from Charlestown South Public School
  3. 3rd place: Team Penguin from Sheldon College

Winners for Years 7-9 Mathematical Marvels:

  1. 1st place: Team Year 9 OLSH Kensington from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Kensington
  2. 2nd place: Team One from St Johns College
  3. 3rd place: Team Three from St Johns College and 3d Terraria from the Knox School

Winners for Years 10-12 Literary Landscapes:

  1. 1st place: Team Cube 2 from Kardinia International College
  2. 2nd place: The Creepers from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Kensington
  3. 3rd place: Claver Crafters Senior from St Peter Claver College

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!

For more details and to view the winning submissions, visit the winner’s page: https://ael.org.au/minecraft-results/

Congratulations to all our winners and participants!

Exciting Update from the Australian Esports League: Introducing Minecraft Capture The Flag!

By High School Cup, Minecraft, Primary School Cup

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
    • Available for Years 7-12

For more details and to register, visit our dedicated pages: Primary School Cup | High School Cup

Entry is $125 + GST per team.

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!

Welcoming all schools to Series 1 of the 2024 AEL Schools Minecraft Challenge!

By Events, Minecraft, News

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.


Themes Unveiled for Series 1 of the 2024 AEL Minecraft Schools Competition

By Events, Minecraft, News

Get ready to build, collaborate, and explore fascinating concepts – the AEL Minecraft Schools Competition Series 1 themes are here! We’re thrilled to unveil the creative challenges that await students across Australia.

Years 4-6 Pool: Neighbourhood Heroes

Young builders, it’s time to celebrate the everyday heroes that make our communities thrive! Design a Minecraft neighbourhood showcasing the diverse jobs and roles that keep things running smoothly. Think firefighters, shopkeepers, teachers, and many more. Focus on teamwork and emphasize the vital contributions each person makes to the community.

Years 7-9 Pool: Mathematical Marvels

Prepare to journey back in time and bring mathematics to life! Imagine the world of a classical civilization – ancient Greece, Rome, or Egypt – then visualize mathematical concepts or geometric shapes within this setting. Build awe-inspiring structures or landscapes rooted in mathematical principles. Are you ready to blend history, design, and math in a truly unique way?

Years 10-12 Pool: Literary Landscapes

Calling all literary enthusiasts and creative architects! Delve into the world of an Australian novel or poem, transforming its essence into a Minecraft masterpiece. Construct environments, symbols, and even characters that embody the heart and soul of your chosen literary work.

Get Building & Show Off Your Skills!

Remember, registrations are still open for this epic competition! Secure your spot and unleash your students’ creativity.

  • Registration Closes: March 15th
  • Build Period: March 18th – May 24th
  • Website: www.ael.org.au/minecraft for full details and registration

We can’t wait to see the incredible worlds your students will create!

Australian Esports League announces the 2024 Minecraft Schools program

By Events, High School Cup, Minecraft, News, Primary School Cup

This years program features the return of the AEL Minecraft Build Challenge and the introduction of the AEL Minecraft Capture the Flag esports series enabling exciting opportunities for high school, primary school, and homeschool students to showcase their Minecraft skills.

The AEL is thrilled to announce its 2024 school programs, featuring two engaging Minecraft events designed to inspire creativity and strategic thinking among students across Australia. The programs include the Minecraft Build Challenge and the Minecraft Capture The Flag esports event, both set to unfold in two exciting series this year, catering to high school, primary school, and homeschool students.

The AEL is proud to continue its partnership with Microsoft and the Minecraft Education team to promote this series, building upon the success of last year’s event. This collaboration underscores our mutual commitment to delivering high-quality educational and competitive experiences for students nationwide.

Minecraft Build Challenge: Unleashing Creativity

The Minecraft Build Challenge invites students to leverage their creativity and teamwork to construct impressive structures within Minecraft. With two series planned for the year, the challenge will consist of three competition pools based on year groups: years 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12, each facing a unique theme to guide their builds. Home schoolers are also welcome, competing in a dedicated pool to ensure fair play and recognition.

First Series Dates:

  • Registrations Close: 15th March
  • Competition Starts: 18th March
  • Submissions Due: 24th May
  • Results Announced: 10th June

Second Series Dates:

  • Registrations Close: 16th August
  • Competition Starts: 19th August
  • Submissions Due: 18th October
  • Results Announced: 4th November

Themes for each competition pool will be disclosed post-registration, adding an element of surprise and excitement as teams gear up to showcase their architectural prowess.

Check out the submissions from last year’s challenge here: 2023 AEL Minecraft Build Challenge.

Minecraft Capture The Flag: Strategic Esports Action

Complementing the Build Challenge, the Minecraft Capture The Flag event will test students’ strategic and teamwork skills in a dynamic esports environment. This competition, too, will occur over two series, culminating in an in-person nationals event with details to be announced soon.

The Capture The Flag event promises to be a thrilling experience, encouraging students to engage in competitive play while fostering communication, strategy, and sportsmanship.

Empowering Students Through Esports

The AEL’s 2024 Minecraft programs aim to provide a platform for students to express their creativity, engage in healthy competition, and connect with peers sharing similar interests. Beyond the fun and excitement of gameplay, participants will have the opportunity to develop valuable life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic planning.

Stay tuned for more details on the Minecraft Capture The Flag dates and the announcement of the national event. Schools, students, and homeschoolers interested in participating are encouraged to register promptly to secure their spot in these eagerly anticipated competitions.

For more information and to register for the events, please visit the AEL’s official website: AEL Minecraft Programs.

The AEL is proud to share it is sponsored by AGON by AOC the gaming monitor partner and Indomie Australia the noodle partner.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be a part of Australia’s growing esports community through the engaging world of Minecraft. Join us in celebrating creativity, strategic gameplay, and the spirit of competition in 2024!