Igniting Passion and Pathways in the Digital Age
At Forest Lake State High School, we are pioneering the integration of esports as a part of our STEM curriculum. Esports, beyond gaming, connects Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to real-world applications that captivate students’ interests and lead them toward diverse career pathways. This subject area prepares students with critical skills, opening doors to technical fields that are shaping the future.
Technology Proficiency: From gaming consoles to complex software, esports exposes students to technical skills in hardware troubleshooting, networking, and even basic coding. This technological knowledge builds a foundation for careers in IT, digital infrastructure, and technical support.
Data Analysis: Success in esports relies on data-driven decisions. Students learn to track gameplay metrics and analyse performance, building analytical skills critical for roles in data science, business intelligence, and strategic analytics.
Engineering and Robotics: Through hands-on experiences with robotics, students explore engineering principles tied to esports. Robotics within our program enhances students’ understanding of mechanics, controls, and systems, supporting pathways into hardware engineering and system design.
Strategic Thinking and Game Theory: Esports requires critical thinking and decision-making. Learning algorithms and statistical probabilities improves students’ logical reasoning, benefiting STEM careers like AI development, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
Digital Citizenship and Cybersecurity: Our esports curriculum promotes responsible online behaviour and data privacy. These skills prepare students for careers in cybersecurity and digital spaces where ethical interaction and safety are essential.
Esports captivates students in ways that traditional subjects sometimes do not. With an emphasis on teamwork, competition, and real-time feedback, students find enjoyment in strategising, collaborating, and achieving shared goals. This environment builds camaraderie, resilience, and motivation as students work through challenges, gaining skills essential to their personal and academic growth.
At Forest Lake, we partner with industry leaders like HP, Data#3, and CSIRO, creating pathways for students to explore various technical careers. These connections give students a firsthand view of STEM professions and help bridge academic learning with professional opportunities.
Career pathways include:
Game Development: Students interested in coding and graphic design gain foundational skills for careers in game design and software engineering.
Data Analysis: With performance metrics at the core of esports, students interested in data can move into analytics, sports science, or market research roles.
Hardware Engineering and Technical Support: Esports gives students practical experience with gaming technology, ideal for roles in IT and hardware engineering.
Cybersecurity: Emphasising digital safety and citizenship, students are well-prepared for careers protecting online systems and data.
Robotics and Automation: Robotics in esports fosters interest in engineering and automation, valuable for today’s tech-driven industries.
Our esports curriculum aligns with the Australian Curriculum Version 9 and Digital Technologies achievement standards, ensuring that students engage in STEM while meeting academic requirements. We are always looking at ways to engage our students and esports is one way that works for our community. By using innovative partnerships, technology, and a dynamic curriculum to prepare students for a digitally interconnected world, we find our students are thriving in the ecosystem. With key partners like QUT, CSIRO, Endgame Esports, HP, Data#3, Sports Tech College and Valor Esports, we really are maximising our industry partners’ knowledge.
In bringing esports into STEM, Forest Lake State High School ignites students’ passion, builds essential skills, and opens doors to tomorrow’s world, leading the way in future-focused education.
MJ Raatz | Head of Digital Technologies and Business at Forest Lake State High School in Queensland
MJ has pioneered an innovative Esports program to tackle student absenteeism and disengagement. Initially an extra-curricular activity, MJ integrated Esports into the digital technologies curriculum for Years 7–12, focusing on technology skills, wellbeing, and growth mindset.
The program has been transformative, engaging over 200 students, improving attendance, and fostering inclusivity, with 25% of participants being students with disabilities. MJ’s work has connected over 300 schools nationwide, and he recently led the creation of Australia’s first Diploma of Esports in partnership with QUT, showcasing his dedication to student success and future-ready learning.
