Joseph Haynes

BTEC Esports Student - The British School Al Khubairat

I am a Year 13 BTEC Esports student at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi, completing a unit in event management, marketing within the esports industry. My studies have given me practical experience in team branding, tournament organisation, and digital content creation, which has allowed me to apply them to real world projects. As a member of the BSAK Dynasty Esports team, I have developed strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while gaining insight into the fast-growing global esports sector. I am passionate about the future of gaming and the role that education and innovation play in shaping the next generation of esports professionals.

Speaker Sessions

Gaming@GESS 1986

Nov 12 2025 | 1:50pm - 2:30pm

Panel Session: Our Esports Journey: The Story, Challenges and Stakeholder Buy In

Session Summary:

Building an esports programme in a school is not just about setting up gaming computers. It is about creating a shared vision that connects students, teachers, parents and leadership. In this open panel discussion, hear how The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi developed one of the region’s first fully integrated school esports pathways, from concept to classroom. Led by Mebs Choudhury, Leader of Vocational Qualifications, and joined by BTEC Esports students, this session explores the story behind the creation of BSAK’s state of the art Esports Lab, the challenges of gaining stakeholder buy in, and the impact on student engagement, digital skills and future careers. Participants will gain practical insights into how esports can evolve from a niche interest into a strategic and forward-thinking educational offering that inspires both learners and educators. Join this session to:

Understand the key stages in developing a school wide esports programme from concept to implementation
Identify strategies for securing stakeholder support including leadership, parents and industry partners
Explore student perspectives on how esports enhance teamwork, confidence and career readiness
Gain ideas for aligning esports with vocational pathways and twenty first century skills development

Speakers:

Nora Muñoz-Bouaouda | Teacher of Business & Economics - British School Al Khubairat
Mebs Choudhury | Leader of Vocational Studies, Business and Esports Teacher - The British School Al Khubairat
Austin Caller | BTEC Esports Student - The British School Al Khubairat
Joseph Haynes | BTEC Esports Student - The British School Al Khubairat
Cillian Mitchell | BTEC Esports Student - The British School Al Khubairat
Santino Wilkinson | BTEC Esports Student - The British School Al Khubairat
Gabriel Farrag | BTEC Esports Student - The British School Al Khubairat