All our activities are suitable to non-native English speakers of one ability level or another. Even those activities primarily targeted at UK students are suitable for proficient English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students, although in some cases they may be quite challenging!
We can, in many cases, offer a fully translated option for younger students or those with very limited English, without making the puzzles themselves too childlike. Please enquire if you believe your group requires this facility.
Our grading system for activities follows the Common European Framework for language teaching and examination. We've simplified the many possible levels by classifying our games as 'Advanced', Intermediate' and 'Elementary'; the following table illustrates the proficiency level expected from each of these classifications to help teachers and organisers choose the right game and level for their group.
Level
Description
Advanced
C1 - Proficiency
C2 - Advanced
Understanding of written English is fluent with ability to understand complex structures and nuance. Activities we have classified as Advanced are written for an English speaking audience with little or no accommodation for EFL speakers. All instructions are in English. Obscure dialect is avoided, and grammar and spelling are correct, however activities and puzzles may include the use of linguistic devices such as metaphor, idiom, slang, codes and wordplay which may challenge those with extensive knowledge of the English language.
Organiser's instructions are provided in English.
Intermediate
B2 - Upper Intermediate
B1 - Intermediate & pre-intermediate
At this level, students understand a range of topics and sentence structures. Shorter and simpler sentences are used throughout the activity.
Idioms, colloquial language, slang and other phrases may be included but are provided as ‘extra’ info rather than integral to solving the puzzle.
All clues and directions are in clear, simplified English, and picture clues are used where possible. Supporting stories, local facts and other instructions may be given in native language or in simple English.
A vocabulary section is provided for help with some unusual words and turns of phrase.
All health and safety instructions are given in native language.
Organiser's instructions are given in native language.
Elementary
A2 - Pre-intermediate & Elementary
A1 - Beginner
Elementary students of English can understand very basic vocabulary and short sentences only. In Discovery Games' activities, instructions and back stories may be provided in English but will be suitably simplified and illustrated, and a glossary incorporated into the activity booklet.
Main instructions are translated into native language, or translations are provided on the page.
We make extensive use of picture-based clues and numerical puzzles. Use of anagrams and letter-codes is very limited. Simple directions are supported by a clear map. Directions are kept to single phrases and may be illustrated.
Organisers' instructions are provided in native language.
Buying is easy. You simply browse our website or download the brochure and then you order online.
To order online
Find the game your students would enjoy most.
Click on the Buy now button on the bottom of the page.
Select how many packs you need and click on Add to cart
Checkout
Receive your games in the post
We recommend you order at least two months before the date of the activity. We will usually despatch your packs six weeks before the booked date to give your teachers enough time to prepare the students for the activity.
If you prefer to contact us before you buy, please just email or call us. We will be happy to help you select the best game for your students.
Payment methods
You can pay with PayPal online (including card payments) or we can invoice you for advance payment by credit card or bank transfer. Contact us to find out how to set up your account.
Please note, payment is always required in advance of despatch. Full terms and conditions of purchase are here.
Less than two hours for your team clue hunt game? Have a very large group (40 or more players)? Then the Race against TIME is the perfect game for you.
A young quantum physicist went missing five years ago. Now he's turned up and is in talks with a foreign power about his scientific discoveries. The British Intelligence Services need to understand what he found and how it works! Can your team find the clues, solve the puzzle and race to get to the TIME portal before any other teams? There are a few variants of this game, some involving NUMBERS and MATHS, and some which are a bit easier. Talk to us about the options!
Who's it for?
Workplace socials and team-building
Parties and special occasions
School trips and overseas students visiting the UK.
Our Race Mission Game is an on-foot clue-hunt game against the clock and against the other teams.
Time required: 90 minutes to 2 hours
Number of participants: Available in Standard 6-team packs for up to 36 players or Large 12-team packs for up to 72 players. For even larger groups, please contact us.
Want us to run it for you? Self-run or hosted versions available*.
Personalisation options
We can build in your company story, language and personalities. Talk to us about specific outcomes you'd like from this activity and we'll work with you to adapt the game dynamic and storyline accordingly. Personalisation fee is £200.
Location tweaking - £175.
Get interactive: meet up with an undercover operative! (Hosted versions only) - extra fee applies - please get in touch.
Timescales and Booking: please allow 2 weeks minimum notice for self-run game packs. For hosted bookings, 4 to 6 weeks minimum are preferred. We will get in touch with you to make arrangements. Hosted bookings are not binding until our booking contract has been exchanged.
* Please note we don't offer hosted children's parties
Self-run games
Up to 6 x team packs (36 players) including clues, maps, instructions, tasks and challenges
1 x organiser's pack including answers and scoresheet
Hosted games
All game materials
Facilitation on the day including
Briefing and scene-setting
Scoring and debrief at the end
Token prizes
Multiple locations are available for Race Mission Games around the UK. Here are some of them:
London - Olympic Park
London - Victoria
Winchester
Cambridge
Welwyn Garden City
Bristol
If you don't see the location you want, please get in touch!
Default version is English Intermediate. For overseas students an English-English Glossary is provided for harder words and phrases. We can send electronic copies out in advance of physical delivery to allow teachers to prepare vocabulary with students.
Other language variants are available for less advanced students for a small translation supplement. These have background and instructions translated to native language, but clues and answers are always in English.
Languages available:
French
German
Spanish
Portuguese
Italian
Other languages may be available - please enquire.
Timescales and Booking:
You will be asked to specify the date of your activity, if known, at checkout.
Please allow 2 weeks minimum notice for delivery of self-run game packs.
For hosted bookings, 4 to 6 weeks minimum are preferred. We will get in touch with you to make arrangements.
Hosted bookings are not binding until our booking contract has been exchanged.
It may be possible to supply packs at shorter notice, please contact us at info@discoverygamesuk.com to enquire.
Delivery overseas:
We regret we no longer deliver packs overseas. Delivery is to UK addresses only. For school groups, once payment for bookings have been received, we are able to send an electronic version of the game(s) to enable activity organisers to prepare staff and students in advance.
