Category: waiting

Examples of prior games learning from Scottish schools

Examples of learning from previous games live lessons

back to Making Games

A primary teacher from Rowantree Primary School in Dundee shared this with us:

“My class recently attended the above session and following on from your email we were keen to share our learning. They really engaged well with the session and loved making game ideas. We used their ideas later the same day to create a short piece of writing talking about their gaming ideas. Some really exciting and dark stories emerged!

I liked the simple materials and found it fun myself. I’d consider using the materials again.”

A primary teacher from Glenlee Primary School, South Lanarkshire shared this:

A primary teacher from North Queensferry Primary, Fife, shared this:

“My P5/6/7 class loved getting involved in the Games Jam last term. I have attached of what they created. They were all very engaged an this is probably the least terrifying one!

On the back of this work, the class have chosen that their topic for this term be about ‘Video Games’.”

A link to a pdf of the game design: Plague Game

Into Film support for YGD

Into Film support for BAFTA YGD

back to Making Games

We have partnered with Into Film again to support educators with YGD participation. 

Sign up for the webinar on Tuesday 27th January at 330pm using this link: Into Film and YGD webinar link

This will be followed up with 2 LIVE lessons to guide classes through the Into Film Games Lite resource:

Game Making Award

Entrants must submit an original game created by themselves or with a team of up to two other people.

Entries will be judged on:

  • gameplay design
  • creativity
  • suitability for your chosen games platform

There is an award for:

  • 10 to 14 year olds
  • 15 to 18 year olds

*Check the T&Cs to see what software you can use to build your game.

webinar

YouTube player

lesson 0

YouTube player

lesson 1

YouTube player

Worksheet for SBG BAFTA YGD Live Lesson 1

lesson 2

video will be uploaded here after the event

About BAFTA Young Games Designer competition

More about the BAFTA Young Games Designer competition

back to Making Games

YGD is “a chance for 10–18-year-olds to design, develop and present new game ideas”. 

The competition is now open and the closing date for entries is 12th March 2026. 

Children and young people will need an account on BAFTA to enter the competition – educators should check their employers’ rules on children and young people creating and accessing accounts. Educators can create an account to oversee and create accounts for children – *Check the T&Cs.

There are two categories: Game Concept and Game Making (use this link to visit the YGD site)

 

 

 

We have partnered with Into Film again to support educators with YGD participation. 

Sign up for the webinar on Tuesday 27th January at 330pm using this link: Into Film and YGD webinar link

 

This will be followed up with 2 LIVE lessons to guide classes through the Into Film Games Lite resource:

Game Concept Award

Entrants must submit an original game idea created by themselves or with a team of up to two other people.

Entries will be judged on:

  • gameplay design
  • creativity
  • suitability for chosen games platform

There is an award for:

  • 10 to 14 year olds
  • 15 to 18 year olds

Game Making Award

Entrants must submit an original game created by themselves or with a team of up to two other people.

Entries will be judged on:

  • gameplay design
  • creativity
  • suitability for your chosen games platform

There is an award for:

  • 10 to 14 year olds
  • 15 to 18 year olds

*Check the T&Cs to see what software you can use to build your game.

Digital Skills Big Ideas

Digital technology 

Digital technology is used to store, process and share computer data about almost all aspects of our lives and society. This is underpinned by computer technology, including hardware, software and networks. It is essential that these systems and their data should be secured to protect them, and us, from cyber threats. 

 

 

Essential digital skills 

Being able to use digital technology increases opportunities to engage in society, including finding information, accessing essential services and communicating with other people. 

 

 

Creativity and communication 

Having access to vast quantities of information, media and statistical data requires skills to navigate but also to scrutinise its reliability and veracity. Digital technology provides a wide range of media through which to express our thoughts, feelings and ideas and to engage with others’ self-expression. Digital technology should be considered part of any a potential solution when problem solving or innovative thinking. 

 

 

Citizenship  

As digital technology is increasingly embedded in all aspects of our lives we should consider how we engage with it and how this may affect us and others. The means to create, publish and communicate online should be democratic and of benefit to individuals and society. Human rights should be central to the design and function of these systems and services. Lessening the environmental impact, through manufacture and use, should be a priority in the lifecycle of technology 

 

 

glasgow indie games fest

Glasgow Independent Games Festival 2025 Event, 9th August

The Glasgow Independent Games Festival is officially set to take place on 9th August 2025 at the community revered Barras Art and Design (BAaD) Building. This year’s festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of independent game development, featuring new game showcases, industry discussions, and games-related art performances even larger than last year’s historic appearance.

Organised by the Glasgow Independent Games Group CIC (GIGG), the festival aims to highlight the creativity and innovation of independent game developers while fostering meaningful conversations about the future of the games industry. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of activities, including:

  • Game Showcases: Discover groundbreaking projects from emerging and established indie developers.
  • Industry Panels: Engage in thought-provoking discussions with leading voices in the UK games industry.
  • Art Performances: Experience unique, games-inspired artistic performances that combine the familiar with the idiosyncratic.

Joe Bain, Director of GIGG, said, “The Glasgow Independent Games Festival is a platform for indie developers to shine and for the industry to come together to celebrate the artistry and innovation of games. We’re excited to welcome everyone to the Barras Art and Design Building for a day of creativity, collaboration, and inspiration.”

Ryan Caulfield, Director of GIGG, added, “This festival is about more than just games—it’s about building a community that values inclusivity and creativity. We’re proud to support indie developers and provide a space where their work can be celebrated and appreciated.”

Since its inception, GIGG has supported over 200 developers, sponsors, and patrons from across the UK and beyond, earning recognition for its commitment to fostering an open and inclusive environment for games and their cultural impact.

Find out more:

glasgow indie games fest

Event Details:

Date: 9th August 2025

Time: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Location: Barras Art and Design Building, 54 Calton Entry, Glasgow

phase25 esports event

PHASE25 Esports Conference, 26th September Edinburgh

Are you running, or interested in running, esports in your setting?

Join Phase25 at Murrayfield stadium, and explore the dynamic intersection of academia and esports, emphasising the profound impact of integrating esports into educational curricula. This conference will highlight how esports can be leveraged as a powerful tool for cultivating essential transferable skills that are highly valued across various industries.  

 

There will be a range of talks from people including: Nik Turner, Shoubna Naika-Taylor, Euan Jardine, Gavin Ferry, Bubba Gaeddert, and Alex Hirbe

 

Find out more and sign up using this link: PHASE Esports Conference tickets

phase25 esports event

learning about games

Learning about games

go to the Games in Education page

This section contains link to resources, training and inspiration for educators who want to teach about games. This could be considered reading and writing about games or using games as a text in literacy and English learning.

PEGI

Pan European Game Information (PEGI) provide age ratings for games based on the suitability of a game, not the level of difficulty. These can be useful to help educators check whether they might use a game in with their learners.

Find out more by visiting the PEGI site with this link

into film

 

 

Into Film have developed resources for teaching about games in partnership with Northern Ireland Screen. The resources are free and cover concepts, such as genres, controls , characters and goals.

Find out more by visiting the Into Film games hub with this link