Schools Chesstimonials Chesstimonials "I would guarantee that any parent of any player and their teacher would say how much of a positive influence this is having." "I wanted to also mention how much Grace’s school has benefited from the support of Paul and your organisation. The number of children that developed an interest in chess last year was fantastic and I would guarantee that any parent of any player and their teacher would say how much of a positive influence this is having. We have also found a real improvement academically for Grace since she has been playing, especially related to her problem solving skills." - Richard Cook, Grace's father "Since our involvement with Chess in Schools as part of School Improvement project, both achievement and progress in maths has risen. Individual tracking of children’s progress has shown that all children make at least good progress and some children with difficulties made more than expected progress. All children in Key Stage Two have benefitted in so many ways. Children have learnt the polite behaviours and the social conventions associated with playing the game." - Kim McCalmont, Headteacher at Stone with Woodford CofE Primary School "It was very encouraging to see how the least able children in the class became more and more focussed as the sessions progressed." "My son Reuben has loved having the opportunity to learn and play chess at Links Primary School. Their tutor combines an expert level of chess skills with a passion for the game that is contagious for the children. I have seen Reuben's concentration deepen and extend, his confidence grow and he has learned many skills that he is transferring to other parts of his life. The chess has given him an opportunity to enjoy competition, to take risks and to improve his strategic thinking." - Parental feedback on Vladimir Agasaryan "Children have really made so much progress. It was very evident in the more able children who thrived with the strategy aspect of the game but also very encouraging to see how the least able children in the class became more and more focused as the sessions progressed. They are now more able to focus and retain key information. For all of them, it has boosted their thinking skills and made them more strategic about how they approach problem solving in all areas of the curriculum, not only during the chess lesson." - Natalia Debernardis, KS1 Phase Leader at St. Francis' Catholic Primary School "I have seen Reuben's concentration deepen and extend, his confidence grow and he has learned many skills that he is transferring to other parts of his life." "On average 50 pupils attend Breakfast club at Gwaunfarren Primary School. Since chess has been introduced to the pupils, it has had a positive impact on their interpersonal skills. The pupils are totally engaged; they are interacting with each other and are discussing aspects of the game. This is impacting positively on their oracy, thinking and reasoning skills. It has been an absolute joy to observe the pupils making decisions with reasons and thinking strategically, whilst having fun." - Louise Bibby, Headteacher at Gwaunfarren Primary School In their own words... "When I first learnt chess I was confused and I didn't know what to do. Also I was daydreaming when Mr. Marsh was talking. Now I am not daydreaming; I am concentrating and working hard. When I was in Year 3 I was playing people and losing, but now I am winning." - Kaci, 9 "Chess has taught me a lot of things and helped me beat people I can't beat at other things. I have learned a lot of things through our chess teacher. I feel like I am improving my chess skills and stepping up, getting closer to the Megafinal. I am learning more than I thought." - William, 10 "Chess has also got me socialising with my family a lot more. I've also been able to gain more confidence in my speaking for my shows because I've been teaching my family to play chess." - Faye, 10 "I like chess because my brother, dad and granddad play it so I try to play against them. To play chess you need to be strong-minded, a strategist and most of all determined. Chess can be hard, but if you lose it will help you get better." - Ella, 10