CHESS THRIVES ON ISLAND OF ARRAN

When across on Arran for the recall of teachers who attended the CPD chess workshops, the Executive Director took the opportunity to play the local schoolchildren in a series of simultaneous displays. He played over 60 pupils at five different primary schools on 2 and 3 December. As the games were played, pupils were shown some standard checkmate patterns as well as forks and pins as they emerged over the board. Elementary opening theory was also demonstrated by highlighting the differences in the Black and White positions around move 10 or so. It was a very happy and enjoyable two days with CS being received in a friendly manner by teachers and pupils alike.

The teachers deserve recognition and ongoing support for the wonderful work they are doing week after week in running school chess clubs. CS is discussing how best this can be done with North Ayrshire Council. The teachers recall session was completed with a consultation game between the teachers and the CS representative. The teachers discussed their ideas/plans amongst themselves then he returned to the room and explained his thoughts on how the position had changed as a result of their collective move. Good fun and, hopefully, thought provoking in highlighting differences in approach and thought patterns.

Ian Barr, the independent consultant retained by North Ayrshire Council to assess the impact of the chess CPD course, went along to meet the teachers and pupils and get direct feedback on progress being made. A Report will be submitted to Lesley Owens, Head of Educational Services after further research has been completed.

Irene Gilmour, Children's Resource Officer, Children's Outreach Services completed the party. Irene had undertaken the organisation of the original workshops as well as the recall. Discussions are ongoing with Irene about setting up a mini-congress, perhaps March on the Island of Arran.

Dick Heathwood

Chess Scotland Executive Director