Half (50%) of UK school students would like to see more technology-related subjects added to the school curriculum to improve their career prospects, according to new research from Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) and Intel.

Working with generations expert and historian of contemporary values, Dr Eliza Filby and the British Esports Federation, Dell and Intel sought to understand how students aged 11-17 experience learning at school. The survey looked at whether they feel that school sets them up well for pathways into higher education and careers.

When asked about their learning today, only 37% felt their school's technology is up to date and positively impacts their work. Over 40% (43%) of those surveyed believe the current school curriculum is outdated and does not offer them the tools they need to succeed in a modern career. More optimistically, 45% said they were confident their teachers understand the technology they use in school, positively impacting their learning.

Modern curricula for the digital jobs market

Focusing on esports as a technology-led area of study, the study of 700 students found that over half (53%) somewhat or strongly believe that an esports qualification would be as useful to them as traditional subjects such as mathematics.

Students were asked to rate the skills which you can develop through esports that would give them more of an edge over other candidates in a job interview. More than 40% (44%) of respondents chose ICT and digital literacy, including using technology as learning, communication, and collaboration tools, as their top choice. Individual learning approaches, including critical thinking, metacognition and new skills acquisition, came second with 37%, and 34% highlighted communication skills, including language and presentation of ideas.

Other feedback included:

• 56% somewhat or strongly agree that a qualification in esports alongside other subjects would improve their chances of getting into university.
• 45% would support the addition of an esports qualification to their curriculum, with 41% saying they would opt to take the qualification if it was available.

Esports extends learning beyond the classroom

The research also shows that 78% of UK school students now game, and many reported that gaming had spurred new interests and hobbies such as content creation, coding and podcasting. Esports also topped the list of preferred extra-curricular activities, ahead of pastimes such as dance, drama, and art.

When asked why they think an esports qualification would unlock opportunities for a broader range of careers, 3 in 5 (59%) said it would give them practical, hands-on experience in an industry, and 52% stated it would allow them to develop the skills required for science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects. Many (45%) also felt the qualification was now relevant to several higher education courses, and 38% thought it would help them stand out as part of a higher education application process.

Respondents also highlighted the benefits for different learning styles, with 40% saying a qualification in esports broadens opportunities for those not as academic as others.

Commentary from Dr Eliza Filby

Commenting on the findings, Dr Eliza Filby explains: "For this generation, school doesn't finish at 3 pm.

"Significant learning experiences are happening outside the classroom, and one of those areas is gaming, which, contrary to popular perception, is not a passive form of entertainment like watching TV but is a proactive engagement and tends to nurture skills such as problem-solving, strategic thinking and collaboration - as well as digital skills such as software development and visual graphics.”

"There's definitely a misconception that gaming and esports don't hold real value to young people when actually key skills are developed through them, ones that will set them up for the inevitable metaverse and AI-driven future.”

"Whilst there are other things that Gen Alpha will need to thrive in the future - from engagement with the natural world to face-to-face communication - we need to understand that gaming is one of those core experiences which will help them prepare for the 21st century."

"So many children currently are developing skills off their own back, and while it's undeniable there's more of a focus in the curriculum on digital skills, allowing children the ability to focus on esports would be of real benefit.

"But it will need older generations to change their view on its importance first to see real change, with its addition to the curriculum something I think would really benefit young people today."

The survey builds on Dell and Intel's 2022 'Elevating esports in Education' research and marks the beginning of a 2-year collaboration between Dell Technologies, Intel and the British Esports Federation. Dell Technologies and Intel are Official Technology and Hardware Partners, and Alienware (powered by the latest Intel® Core™ processors) is Official Supplier of high performance gaming PCs, monitors and peripherals. The group will promote esports as an accessible, inclusive and forward-thinking industry that fosters the development of 21st-century skills, new career pathways and economic growth for the UK.

Supporting Quotes from Dell, Intel and British Esports Federation

• Brian Horsburgh, UK Education Sales Director, Dell Technologies: "The research findings are significant; they show an appetite and, therefore, an opportunity for esports to be part of a new, diverse and future-ready curriculum. While some may consider esports an unconventional education pathway, it can help foster the 21st-century skills necessary for the workplace of tomorrow, provide a stepping stone to higher education, apprenticeships and careers, and begin to bridge the ever-widening digital skills gap in the UK. Tapping into students' passions, like esports, could be the key to schools igniting the limitless potential in every single learner." 
• Steve Shakespeare, UK Country Manager, Intel said: "We're delighted to collaborate with the British Esports Association and Dell Technologies – supporting esports talent and the student community is at the heart of our esports strategy. With products powered by 13th Gen Intel® Core™ bringing unprecedented speed to gamers, Intel continues to be a leader in PC Gaming. We look forward to working with Dell Technologies and the British Esports Association on sharing this performance and innovation with the community."
• Andy Payne OBE, Chair, British Esports Federation: "The esports BTEC qualification is not just about gaming, it also covers everything from entrepreneurship and critical thinking to nutrition, communication and social interaction. At a time when technology is advancing so rapidly, learning a wide range of transferable skills can lead to a future workforce well-equipped to deal with a host of new digital challenges. It's exciting to see so many of the younger generation keen to take the subject. With our partners, we are committed to growing esports as an inclusive activity for schools and ensuring its development within education and beyond".

* The research, commissioned by Dell via market research agency OnePoll was undertaken between the 12^th to the 16^th of May 2023, speaking to children aged 11 to 17 via their parents. You can find the infographic here.

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