Esports course at The Cavendish autism school in Cambridge

The Cavendish is the first special school in the county to offer the qualification and students will learn about business, finance, and strategy and gain practical, hands-on experience through the BTEC Level 2 Esports qualification.

As part of their studies, pupils will engage with age appropriate and skill-oriented games that they choose to foster pupil agency and build confidence, communication and leadership skills.

The school will also offer an afterschool Esports club for younger pupils to support skills development and prepare those who want to study the BTEC later.

Esports has been rising in popularity in recent years, offering a more inclusive alternative to physical sports, being gender neutral and disability friendly while covering a variety of game titles and genres.

To support the introduction of the course, the school seeks financial and equipment donations from local businesses including headsets, mice, keyboards, gaming laptops and a laptop trolley.

Stephanie Smith, head of school, said: “For so many of our children video and computer games are not only a hobby, but also a safe haven, and provide an opportunity to truly be themselves.

“The introduction of the BTEC Level 2 Esports course will help prepare pupils to enter the workforce and will  explore the worlds of business and finance through their special interest in gaming. Our school has been commended for its aspirational curriculum.

“By offering Esports as a subject we can ensure that all of our pupils continue to have access to learning that meets their individual needs.

“With the help of our generous local community, I hope that we can mitigate the cost of the equipment required to deliver the course so that our pupils can have the best possible start to the next stage of their learning journey.”

For more information about the school's fundraiser, visit: thecavendishschool.org.uk/fundraising/

(Image: The Cavendish School)