Forest Lake State High School’s Esports Program of Excellence in Queensland is now in its fourth year, and the 2025 season was its biggest and most community-focused yet.
With over 150 students from Year 7 to Year 12 enrolled, the program continues to prove that Esports is a popular and effective component of the school’s curriculum.
The school’s students study Esports as a subject, aligned to the Australian Curriculum in Digital Technologies from Years 7-12 run by the school’s Esports team of MJ Raatz, Ian Clapham, Nick Silva (Coordinator), Matt Scholz, Robert Correia, Sam Elmer, Bailey Peterson, Zack McSweeney and Luke Ryder.
In Years 7 and 8, the Esports curriculum also incorporates Health and Physical Education, ensuring that teamwork, wellbeing, personal development, and physical health are central pillars to student success both in and out of game.
Each year, Forest Lake State High School celebrates its partnerships through the Bridgestone Cup, a community Esports event that brings together students, teachers, parents, sponsors and local organisations.
Leading the charge in late-2025 was Principal Sally Hawkes, backed by Deputy Principals Joanne Francis and Lucas Nicholls, who suited up to compete alongside students, staff, parents and community.
“For our young people, seeing senior leaders participate isn’t just fun – it’s powerful. It reinforces that they are seen, valued, and supported,” a school spokesperson stated.
The Cup has become a highlight of the school’s calendar, bringing motorsport, technology and education together to support young people.
Mark Wallace of Bridgestone Select Forest Lake’s has actively participated in the program every year, offering encouragement, expertise, and authentic community connection. His ongoing support shows how Esports can create meaningful pathways for future careers.
Last year’s Bridgestone Cup was extra special, with university pathways partners joining us to help students understand real opportunities ahead of them. Other major sponsors included HP, Data#3, Endgame Esports and Valor Esports, Australian Computer Society, Prodigy Learning, GameAware and Sports Tech College.
If you’d like to follow the journey of the school’s Esports, you can visit the school’s Facebook page.
