Warhammer Alliance

Outside of teaching and writing, I am a builder, painter and player of Warhammer. In my case, the grimdark future of Warhammer 40,000, but there are lots of different themes and ranges to build, paint and play in. So when I found Warhammer Alliance, I was very excited: I could bring Warhammer to school.

The prospect of introducing students to this hobby, one that has given me so much enjoyment over the years, was genuinely thrilling. The Warhammer Alliance program seemed like the perfect vehicle. It offered a structured framework, resources, and support, which made the daunting task of setting up a club within a school environment much more manageable.

The resource pack itself was a real boon. It provided a great starting point, with enough miniatures for a decent-sized group of students to get started. Having those push-fit models, paints, brushes, and even some terrain right there meant we could dive straight in. I remember the initial excitement as the students eagerly assembled their first miniatures – Stormcast Eternals, Orruk Warclans Kruleboyz, Space Marines, and Necrons were all represented, giving everyone a taste of the different factions.

It wasn't just about the models, though. The Alliance also provided a leader’s guide, which was invaluable. It offered practical advice on running sessions, structuring activities, and even handling the inevitable rules questions that arose during games. It was especially helpful for those students who were completely new to wargaming.

What I found most rewarding was seeing the students develop a range of skills beyond just painting and playing. The strategic aspect of the game encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving. They had to plan their moves, anticipate their opponents' actions, and adapt their strategies on the fly. And because many games involved multiple players, teamwork and communication became essential.

Beyond the gameplay, there was a real sense of community that developed within the club. Students who might not have otherwise interacted found common ground through their shared interest in Warhammer. They collaborated on painting projects, shared tips and tricks, and celebrated each other's victories (and commiserated over their defeats). It was fantastic to see them building friendships and developing social skills in such a positive environment.

Of course, there were challenges. Managing a club alongside other school responsibilities required careful planning and organization. There were times when motivation waned, or when rules disputes threatened to derail a game. But these moments were also opportunities for learning and growth, both for the students and for me as the club leader.

Looking back on my time running the Warhammer club, I can confidently say it was a worthwhile experience. It wasn’t just about introducing students to a hobby I love; it was about providing them with a space to learn, grow, and connect with each other. It was about seeing them develop skills that will serve them well beyond the gaming table. And that, for me, was the real reward.