More than just a game: The power of play

E-sports in South Africa are rapidly growing in popularity, and for good reason. They're fun, competitive, and surprisingly educational. We’ve seen first-hand how e-sports for learners can help them:

• Think critically in high-pressure scenarios

• Communicate effectively with teammates

• Collaborate and support others

• Build resilience through wins and losses

E-sports offer more than just entertainment. They can help sharpen valuable, transferable skills that extend far beyond the screen. Whether it’s math, science, or language, e-sports in education support cognitive and personal development that directly enhances academic performance — all while complementing a strong foundation for online schooling.

Read more: Tips for focused and motivated learners

Level up: The benefits of e-sports

1. Strategic thinking

Online games require players to think ahead, analyse different scenarios, and adapt strategies quickly. This mirrors the mental agility needed in the classroom, from solving math problems to planning essays. E-sports and learning go hand-in-hand by developing critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities, which are all key skills for success in an online school setting.

2. Improved focus and time management

E-sports demands sustained focus and split-second thinking. These habits help learners stay on task, manage their time well, and meet deadlines, which is especially vital in a South African online school setting like Teneo, where self-motivation and discipline are key.

3. Memory and cognitive development

Games often require players to recall sequences, instructions, or strategies. This boosts memory and cognitive flexibility. Many online games require players to memorise complex instructions, maps, sequences, and in-game mechanics, all of which strengthen:

• Working memory (used when solving maths problems or recalling facts)

• Cognitive flexibility (switching between tasks or subjects)

• Visual and spatial awareness (useful in Geometry, Science, and even when planning long-format answers in tests and exams)

These cognitive skills all complement academic growth and enhance a learner’s overall performance in an online school setting.

4. Communication and teamwork

Effective teamwork is essential in e-sports, where players are encouraged to communicate clearly and effectively. Whether they're giving quick instructions, sharing tips, or coordinating as a team, these skills help learners collaborate on group assignments, actively participate in discussions, and present their ideas clearly in oral and written tasks. These are core elements of online school social interaction, helping learners feel connected and confident in their virtual academic community.

5. Building confidence and resilience

Lost a match? That’s part of the game – and the learning! E-sports teach learners to handle setbacks, apply feedback, and keep trying, just like when preparing for examinations or tackling tough assignments. These are the same qualities that help build a growth mindset, where effort leads to improvement and long-term success. Are you ready to make the switch to online schooling with Teneo? Read more about building resilience for success here.

The Teneo E-Sports Club meets every Friday from 15:00 to 16:00 and is open to all learners, regardless of experience. Joining is free, and learners can sign up anytime! However, learners are responsible for any optional e-sports tournament or league entry fees if they choose to compete externally.

Join the fun here.