From Lessons to Living Worlds
Curro Schools’ approach uses Minecraft Education to extend traditional teaching and invite learners into more creative, interactive learning experiences. What began as a tool for computing and game design now supports interdisciplinary learning across social sciences, mathematics, and technology.
Magdeleen explains, “With Minecraft, the opportunities are endless. We can combine curriculum objectives with a digital environment that allows learners to experiment, build, and explore concepts from new perspectives.”
This approach comes to life in projects such as the Lumora Project, where Grade 7 learners explore sustainability by designing cities that respond to real challenges around energy use and population growth.
As Magdeleen reflects, “You can use Minecraft to really enrich your curriculum, to enrich your lesson, and to provide learners with a completely different perspective.”
At Curro Krugersdorp Primary, coding and robotics lead Chantel Conradie created an interactive Minecraft world to teach robotics principles, enabling learners to collaborate as they build a virtual robot together—learning through iteration, communication, and shared problem-solving.
Additional Curro initiatives include AI Foundations, which focuses on digital literacy and ethics, and Cyber Skilling, which addresses online safety and digital citizenship. Each uses immersive learning to help learners think critically and apply knowledge in meaningful contexts.
Game On: Building Skills through Esports
Recognizing Minecraft’s potential as a competitive—but collaborative—platform, Curro launched a formal esports program in 2020. Importantly, esports at Curro is designed not as recreation alone, but as an educational ecosystem that develops communication, leadership, and strategic thinking.
Curro’s esports competitions, including Minecraft Build Challenges, task teams to design and construct solutions within a set timeframe. Learners balance creativity with time management, teamwork, and critical reasoning while working toward a shared goal.
These activities are inclusive by design, attracting learners who may not feel at home in traditional sports environments.
Magdeleen laughs, “When the kids break the map, you can see that they’ve been playing it and trying to find ways to beat it—and that takes tremendous initiative and critical thinking.”
Through these experiences, learners build not only technical fluency but also social and emotional skills, connecting classroom learning to real-world digital competencies.
Growing the Server: Community and Scale
Curro’s esports program continues to grow across South Africa, with participation at both primary and high school levels. Competitions are structured across foundation, intermediate, and senior phases, ensuring equitable access regardless of a school’s size or resources.
The program also includes hybrid in-person and online tournaments, allowing learners from different regions to participate while supporting digital inclusion. Recognition from educational networks and media outlets has further positioned Curro as a leader in school-based esports innovation across Africa.
