Jeremy Corbyn MP Visits CSC School

CSC’s schools programme in Islington has grown considerably over the past couple of years, thanks largely to the hard work of our Regional Organiser Russell Terry. Our flagship school in the borough is St John’s Highbury Vale CE School where the headteacher Ms Khan has introduced chess to every class, from Year 1 to Year 6. The school has seen considerable success at our events, taking home a winner’s trophy at last year’s London Chess Classic at the Emirates Stadium, although perhaps home advantage also played a part - the school is a goal kick away from Arsenal’s former ground, Highbury Stadium.

Recently, the school was delighted to receive a visit from their local MP, Jeremy Corbyn. Mr Corbyn is a strong advocate of the benefits of learning chess and is a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the game. At St John’s, he joined a Year 6 lesson in which our tutor Roman Ismailov used a very topical game from the Candidates Tournament to highlight some of the chess principles he’s been teaching over the past few weeks. Then it was time to play, and Mr Corbyn bravely took on a tough challenge, facing two of the school’s strongest pupils over the chessboard. It was a hard-fought contest and an excellent game, one which may well see Mr Corbyn recruited into the parliamentary chess team!

After lunch, we were joined by pupils from three other local schools: Betty Layward, St Peter and St Paul, and Hanover - in total over 50 children. They all took part in a tournament held in the school hall, with St John’s running out convincing winners.

Our thanks to everyone who took part in such a special day of chess.