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Join the Excitement: Announcing the 2025 AEL Schools Program!

By High School Cup, News, Primary School Cup No Comments

Empowering Students Through Esports and Creativity

The Australian Esports League (AEL) is thrilled to unveil its 2025 Schools Program, marking another milestone in our commitment to enriching student experiences through esports and creative challenges. With a history of fostering community, teamwork, and skill development, we’re expanding our offerings to provide even more opportunities for students and educators alike.

Why Get Involved?

Educators, this is your chance to engage students in a dynamic and evolving field that goes beyond gaming. Esports and creative challenges like our Minecraft Build competitions promote:

  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Students learn to work together towards common goals.
  • Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving: Games require planning and adaptability.
  • Technical and Creative Skills: Our Minecraft Build Challenges encourage innovation and design thinking.
  • Community Building: Join our network of schools and educators across Australia in the growing esports community.

By integrating esports into your curriculum, you provide students with a platform to develop valuable life skills in a context they are passionate about.

AEL High Schools Cup 2025

Back by popular demand, the AEL High Schools Cup offers thrilling competitions across all four terms in 2025.

Registrations are NOW OPEN for the 2025 High Schools Cup at this link.

We’re featuring a diverse line-up of games to cater to different interests:

Featured Games

  • Rocket League (3v3)
  • Overwatch 2 (5v5)
  • Minecraft: Capture the Flag (5v5)
  • Brawlhalla (Solo)
  • Trackmania (Solo)

Event Dates & Registration Deadlines

  • Term 1: 14 Feb – 22 Mar | Register by: 14th February
  • Term 2: 9 May – 14 Jun | Register by: 9th May
  • Term 3: 8 Aug – 13 Sep | Register by: 8th August
  • Term 4: 24 Oct – 29 Nov | Register by: 24th October

For any questions or further information about school esports, contact us at [email protected]

Minecraft Build Challenges

Our Minecraft Build Challenges have seen incredible participation, inspiring creativity and collaboration among students. This year, we’re continuing our partnership with the Australian Microsoft Education team and Minecraft global partnerships team with exciting new challenge themes to be announced early 2025.

How to register and details of challenge themes will be released shortly, stay tuned at www.ael.org.au/minecraft and keep a look out or our next email about this!

Challenge Details

  • AEL Minecraft Build Challenge (Formerly Series 1)
    • Dates: 28 Feb – 16 Jun
    • Register by: 28th February
  • Australian Open Block Buster Challenge (Replacing Series 2)
    • Dates: 15 Aug – 24 Nov
    • Register by: 15th August

For any questions or further information about Minecraft build challenge events, contact us at [email protected]

New for 2025: On Campus Intra School Competitions

We’re excited to introduce on campus Intra-School competitions! Schools can now host regional esports events on their own grounds, inviting neighbouring schools for in-person competitions. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties and offer students a unique, face-to-face competitive experience.

If hosting this is of interest please complete the EOI form to host an Intra School competition here.

Featured Games for Intra-School Events

  • Minecraft: Capture the Flag
  • Just Dance
  • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
  • Mario Kart

Benefits for Schools:

  • Community Engagement: Foster relationships with nearby schools.
  • Student Leadership: Provide opportunities for students to take on organizational roles.
  • Accessible Competition: Eliminate travel barriers by hosting locally.

Let’s Make 2025 Unforgettable

Join us in shaping the future of education through esports and creativity. Together, we can provide students with enriching experiences that prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow.

We can’t wait to welcome you and your students to the AEL community!

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

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.

Australian Esports League to Host Gaming Zone at Science Alive Event

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

The Australian Esports League (AEL) is excited to announce our upcoming participation in the Science Alive event, where we will host an engaging gaming zone featuring a variety of esports tournaments presented by Inspiring SA. This event will span from August 2nd to 4th, 2024, and includes special activities tailored for schools and the general public.

Attendees will be able to enjoy participating in a variety of games open for all skill levels, some down time in the free to play gaming zone or spectate tournaments shown on the esports stage.

“We are thrilled to bring the Australian Esports League to Science Alive this year. Our goal is to provide a platform where students and gamers can come together, learn, and showcase their skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. By participating in these tournaments, we hope to inspire the next generation of esports enthusiasts and highlight the educational benefits of gaming. It’s not just about competition; it’s about community, learning, and having fun.” – Darren Kwan, Director, Australian Esports League.

You can find out about all the tournaments we are hosting at https://www.ael.org.au/sciencealive  

STEM Day Out – August 2nd:

Our schools-focused day, part of STEM Day Out, will run from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM and feature three thrilling tournaments:

  • Minecraft Capture the Flag: 8 teams will compete in strategic battles.
  • Minecraft Build Challenge: 20 teams will showcase their creativity and building skills.
  • Just Dance: Up to 64 students can participate and show off their dance moves.

Winning students will receive medals, and pre-registration is required for all STEM Day Out tournaments.

STEM Day Out is more than just a gaming event; it’s an enriching experience that highlights the vast career opportunities within the esports and gaming industry. Students will gain insights into potential career paths in game design, programming, digital arts, and esports management. The educational benefits of participating in these tournaments are immense, as they foster critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Moreover, this event cultivates a strong sense of community, bringing together like-minded individuals who share a passion for gaming and learning. By engaging in these activities, students will not only enhance their technical and creative abilities but also build valuable connections and friendships that can support their future endeavours in STEM fields.

Open Tournaments – August 3rd and 4th:

The weekend will be packed with exciting open tournaments for everyone to join:

  • Street Fighter 6: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM each day
  • Overcooked 2: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM each day
  • NBA 2K: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM each day
  • FC 24: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM each day
  • Mario Kart: Separate competitions from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM each day

Spots are limited, so players are advised to arrive 30 minutes before the start time to check in and sign up. No pre-registrations are allowed for open tournaments.

Event Details:

  • Dates: August 2nd (Schools-focused STEM Day Out), August 3rd-4th (Open Tournaments)
  • Location: Adelaide Showgrounds
  • Presented by: Inspiring SA

This event is a fantastic opportunity for students and gamers to connect, compete, and celebrate their passion for gaming. Join us at Science Alive for a memorable experience filled with fun, competition, and community spirit.

For more information and to register for the STEM Day Out tournaments, please visit our website at www.ael.org.au/sciencealive.

Contact Information: For general inquiries, contact the Australian Esports League at [email protected]. For school-specific inquiries, reach out to [email protected].

About the Australian Esports League:

Established in 2013, the Australian Esports League (AEL) is a leading esports promoter in Australia, delivering world-class events across universities, high schools, local clubs, councils, and large-scale esports events. Our mission is to contribute to a healthy esports ecosystem, enhancing the experience for players and key stakeholders.

About Science Alive: Science Alive is an annual event that celebrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with interactive exhibits, shows, and activities designed to engage and inspire people of all ages. Join us at Science Alive for a weekend of gaming excellence and be part of the growing esports community in Australia! Learn about the full festival at: https://www.sciencealive.net.au/

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!

Get Ready for the High School Day at the AEL Logan Esports Cup!

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

Attention all high school students and esports enthusiasts! Mark your calendars for Friday, May 24th, because it’s the dedicated esports day exclusively for high school students at the AEL Logan Esports Cup held in partnership with Logan City Council. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to dive into the exciting world of competitive gaming and esports careers.

Schedule:

  • 11:00am: Schools arrive
  • 11:00am – 11:30am: Tournament Check-in
  • 11:30am – 12:30pm: Careers in Esports talk
  • 12:30pm – 1:00pm: Lunch break
  • 1:00pm: Tournaments begin
  • 3:00pm: Tournaments end & Schools leave

Careers in Esports Talk: Embark on an exciting journey into the world of Esports careers designed especially for high school students! Join us for an engaging talk led by the CEO of a prominent Esports company, where you’ll uncover the thrilling opportunities awaiting you in this dynamic industry. From professional gaming to behind-the-scenes roles in management, marketing, and technology, explore the diverse pathways to success in Esports. Discover how your passion for gaming can transform into a fulfilling and rewarding career. Gain valuable insights and practical advice from a seasoned industry leader, and unlock the secrets to thriving in the fast-paced world of Esports. Whether you’re a dedicated gamer or simply curious about the possibilities, this talk promises to ignite your imagination and inspire your future aspirations. Don’t miss this chance to chart your course in the exhilarating realm of Esports careers!

Tournaments:

  • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Join the 1v1 Super Smash Bros. tournament and showcase your school’s best gamers!
  • Mario Kart 8: Compete in the Mario Kart tournament and prove which school is the fastest!
  • Just Dance: Show off your dance moves in the Just Dance tournament and see which school has the best dancers!
  • Minecraft: Participate in the Minecraft build competition and demonstrate your school’s creativity!

Schools may bring a squad of 6 students for each game to compete. Any extra students are welcome to spectate and cheer on their peers.

Register now via this form.

Date: Friday, May 24th

Location: Logan Entertainment Centre, 170 Wembley Rd, Logan Central QLD 4114


Speak to your teacher about participation and get ready for an unforgettable day of esports excitement at the AEL Logan Esports Cup. See you there!

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!

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!

Australian Esports League Unveils Exciting 2024 School Esports Programs

By High School Cup, News, Primary School Cup

The Australian Esports League (AEL) is thrilled to announce its comprehensive School esports programs for 2024, designed for both High School and Primary School students across Australia. This year’s lineup promises to be more engaging than ever, with a variety of gaming events and the support of our esteemed partners.

Innovative Gaming Experiences for Students

Our 2024 programs include:

  • Minecraft Build Challenges: Set to inspire creativity and collaboration, the Minecraft Build Challenges will be held twice this year.

    These challenges, catering to Years 5-6, Years 7-9, and Years 10-12, will have their specific details announced in mid-February.

    The first series runs from 11th March to 3rd June, with the second series from 19th August to 4th November.

    Details for registration will be updated at www.ael.org.au/minecraft with a general notice being shared once live.
  • High School Esports Program: A dynamic and inclusive initiative designed to bring competitive gaming to high school students across Australia. This program offers a diverse range of popular games each term, providing students with an opportunity to develop teamwork, strategic thinking, and digital skills in a fun and engaging environment

    Starting with Trackmania, Overwatch 2, and Rocket League for Term 1. The addition of Minecraft Capture the Flag and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will come into play from Term 2.

    Dates:
    Term 1 will run from 24th February – 23rd March
    Term 2 will run from 4th May – 8th June
    Term 3 will run from 10th August – 14th September
    Term 4 will run from 2nd November – 23rd November

    *note: these dates are subject to change
  • High School Nationals at PAX Australia: The pinnacle of the High School esports program, the nationals, will be held from 11th to 13th October 2024 at PAX Australia.

    Further details on qualification and attendance will be announced shortly. We are excited to share all the details with everyone soon!
  • Inclusivity for Home School Students: Home school students are invited to join in the excitement with Trackmania available from Term 1 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate from Term 2. Home School students will also be included in the Minecraft build challenges, we’re excited to welcome everyone into the competition this year!

Why Esports Matters: Benefits for Students

Participating in esports offers numerous benefits for students. It fosters critical thinking, teamwork, strategic planning, and improves hand-eye coordination. Esports also offers a platform for students to explore STEAM fields and develop IT skills in a competitive yet supportive environment. Engaging in esports can enhance students’ school experience, build community, and nurture a sense of belonging.

Parents, Get Excited!

For parents, esports represents a unique opportunity for your children to engage in a safe, moderated, and educational platform that promotes healthy competition. It’s an avenue for students to develop social skills, build friendships, and gain valuable life experiences, all while having fun in the process.

Calling All Teachers: Get Your School Involved

We invite teachers to become part of this exciting journey. If you’re interested in introducing esports at your school, the AEL is here to assist. Our programs are designed to be easily integrated into school curriculums, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment.

Acknowledging Our Partners

We are grateful for the support of our partners, which is vital in bringing these programs to life. Special thanks to AGON by AOC, our gaming monitor partner, and Indomie Australia, our noodle partner. Their continued support enhances the esports experience for all participants.

We also extend our gratitude to Microsoft Australia and the Microsoft Education team for their backing of the Minecraft Education program. Their involvement underscores the educational value of esports in learning environments.

Stay Tuned for Primary School Program Details

Details on the Primary School games and dates will be announced shortly. We are committed to providing younger students with exciting and educational esports experiences. Keep an eye out for www.ael.org.au/primary when it goes live later this month!

About Australian Esports League

The Australian Esports League is dedicated to developing esports in Australia. We are focused on community and player. By providing platforms for gamers to compete, we aim to foster talent and create pathways for students to excel in the fast-growing world of esports.

Contact

Email our friendly team at [email protected] with any queries and we’ll be happy to help!