New Esports Centre Open

The opening of a new Esports Centre at St Andrew’s College has created plenty of excitement, says Year 10 Dean and Head of Esports, James Jenkinson, who has led the introduction of Esports as a co-curricular activity and was a driving force behind the new facility.

“We had great feedback from the large number of students who came to check it out during the first open week. Our Esports students are really pumped to have a dedicated space, and there is a great buzz in the studio every lunchtime with lots of great banter and friendly competition. The students leave the room laughing and talking. We couldn’t ask for a more positive outcome.”

The studio, located in the Pipe Band rooms, has 12 top-of-the-line PCs with gaming controllers, red and blue LED back-lighting to differentiate between teams, specialised air conditioning, and a security system to protect the valuable equipment.

“We’ve had great support from the College and the IT team to establish the centre, with the expertise, efforts and energy of Digilit Teacher-E-Learning and Innovation, Wilj Dekkers, and ICT Systems Administrator, Kagan King in particular, resulting in this high level facility, with its complex set up we see today,” says James.

The space was designed by Miu Kim, a Year 13 Design and DVC student at St Andrew’s. Miu collaborated with staff on the intial concept, with her final design used by Bushnell Builders and PBtech in the construction and fit out of the space.

It was in 2020, while working as a tutor in the boarding house, James set up St Andrew’s first Esports Club.

“I noticed students from all backgrounds and interests were playing video games in their own time, and could see there was a strong base to set something up,” James explains. “At St Andrew’s we pride ourselves on offering opportunities for students to find their space. Esports is something that can be accessed by everyone and is a great way of bridging social gaps.”

The same year, following a presentation by James to the Pastoral Care team, Esports became an official team-based co-curricular activity at St Andrew’s. The programme’s primary aims include fostering connection and building good habits around device use, nutrition, and online citizenship.

“Breaking down the stigma which can be associated with gaming is important. Like any sport, we are coaching students around etiquette, the use of appropriate language, and being good winners and losers. We are also taking a wider well-being approach, especially around the amount of time students spend on their devices, being physically fit, and the importance of face-to-face connection too.”

In 2021, the College’s Esports team won its first South Island title, and continues to compete in regional and national competitions across multiple Esports ‘codes’.

Globally, Esports is booming. It is estimated to be worth $236.9 billion USD across software, hardware, and subscriptions in 2025, powered by a staggering 3.27 billion gamers worldwide.

James expects the Esports Club at St Andrew’s to continue to grow, with his wish list including a larger permanent space in the future where VR technology can be incorporated, inter-House Esports competitions, and hosting competitions against other schools at the College.

“One of our goals is to get our Esports team up to Spark Arena to compete at a national level, and hopefully win a chance to represent New Zealand overseas.”