In addition to running the national schools and junior championships and schools registration and information programmes, Chess Scotland also seeks more directly to promote the creation of more school chess clubs and chess teaching in schools.
In part this derives from a growing recognition that playing chess brings with it a range of educational and wider social benefits. Chess is not just an enjoyable game. Worldwide research also shows that chess can be positively good for you.
How does Chess Scotland approach this task?
For the past few years, Chess Scotland has appointed a (voluntary) schools chess development director to address these issues. The development task itself may vary from time to time but is built around recognition of three key principles:
(a) Practical support for chess teachers
Chess Scotland provides many support-based features. These include a comprehensive free “beginners” CDROM, containing teaching information and a range of other school club / classroom organisational tips and a Schools@ChessScotland contact point for information on any question. The website also offers many directly downloadable files for teachers and parents and carries many educational articles, other website links and contact to Chess Scotland coaches.
(b) Realism
Chess Scotland is prepared to advise individuals / groups who wish to interest schools, local authorities or businesses in introducing more chess in schools, Such advice may include information and support in regard to such matters as planning, programming, budgeting, contracting and local lobbying. Chess Scotland cannot, however, directly run local projects as without local organisation they will fail.
(c) Proactive where possible and appropriate
Chess Scotland seeks to promote the political and media profile of chess in schools and may get more directly involved in occasional pilot schemes - e.g. as most recently in partnership with North Ayrshire Council, where it has helped establish the (transferable) practice of funding chess in schools projects through local authority budgets for the continuing professional development of teachers. Chess Scotland also seeks to bring together groups or individuals that might benefit from contact.
A focus for contact
Chess Scotland increasingly hopes to use this webpage as a developing focus for contact and information exchange. At present links at the side focus largely on the successful Aberdeen Chess in Schools Project, worldwide research and on N Ayrshire. But many more good news stories abound. Please share your innovative practice by offering an insert on this webpage - contact Schools@ChessScotland.com.
Craig Pritchett
Schools Chess development director
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Chess is increasingly accepted as bringing educational benefits to young people. Read about major initiatives in Scotland and internationally: