School pupils across Scotland will have access to a revolutionary new digital game as a result of the partnership between Winning Scotland Foundation, Israeli-based Winning Enterprises Ltd and Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS) announced today (23 April) at Perth High School.

The Winning Game, which is the latest version of a game originally developed in the 1990’s by Winning Enterprises, has been optimised for web based usage with the support of the Foundation. It is designed to improve an individual’s ability to think correctly under pressure and provide players with the skills and mindset to become winners in education, sport and life.

The game will be available via LTS’s Glow network, the world’s first national intranet for education.  Glow, which last year was described as a shining example of how technology can boost education by Star Wars director George Lucas, aims to connect Scotland’s 800,000 pupils and teachers online.

Glow is a key plank of the recently launched Curriculum for Excellence, which will improve learning and teaching with literacy and numeracy a key focus.  Curriculum for Excellence will transform the Scottish education system and ensure that, through the best possible teaching practices, children and young people are educated to be successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. 

Graham Watson, executive director of Winning Scotland Foundation, said: “The Winning Game is the latest in a number of innovative programmes to have been initiated and launched by the Foundation and its partners.  This exciting interactive online training course will help pupils develop a winning mindset through practice and by encouraging them to act on feedback.

“We believe The Winning Game represents a major opportunity for Scotland’s education system to continue leading the world by recognising how games-based learning can nurture positive classroom experiences and lead to the development of a winning mentality at school, in life and on the sports field.”

Laurie O’Donnell, director of learning and technology at LTS, added: “LTS is delighted to be associated with The Winning Game.  Our research tells us that well designed computer games can assist with the development of new ideas and skills.

“We also know that having the right mindset is an important pre-requisite to success for us all in learning and in life.  The Winning Game combines the learning potential of a computer game with powerful ideas that can contribute to improving the life chances of our children and young people.

“As Glow is rolled out to the remaining local authorities, its importance in driving forward the aspirations of Curriculum for Excellence has become clear.  Schools and educators throughout Scotland have been given access through Glow to resources which actively promote creative learning and teaching, one of the core goals of Curriculum for Excellence.”

The game is based on the ‘Winning Behaviour Theory’, developed and espoused by Yehuda Shinar, the principal of Winning Enterprises.  An expert in the field of developing personal, team and organisational excellence, Yehuda’s approach explains how the qualities and skills required to become a winner in any walk of life can be developed.  The Winning Theory has been attributed to helping England win the Rugby World Cup in 2003.

Speaking at the launch, Shinar said: “The Winning Game is a practical innovation; one that demonstrates to school pupils that winning is a skill that can be learned and honed through practice.  My research has shown that the way winners achieve their goals is rooted in principles of conduct which are quite simple, very reasonable and, most importantly, acquirable.”

Five classes of S3 pupils at Perth High School aided The Winning Game’s development over a two year period.  The Game will initially be actively supported by LTS in four local authorities while still being immediately available to all schools who have access to Glow.

For an online demonstration of The Winning Game, visit http://thewinninggame.co.uk/ftw/game.