At Suffolks, children in Year 5 and 6 learn how to play chess. Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC) deliver the programme using trained chess tutors. Below is an extract from CSC which outlines the benefits of learning chess.

Chess is a universal game, knowing no boundaries of age, gender, faith, ethnicity or disability, that promotes key intellectual skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking, pattern recognition and concentration. Playing chess also fosters intellectual character. Its cerebral reputation boosts self-esteem and gives children 'grit' – the tenacity to cope with adversity – which helps them grow into rounded and employable individuals. It does this by teaching children how to lose and how to win gracefully, to think ahead and foresee the consequences of their actions.

• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Development of critical and creative thinking skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills

Chess teaches all of the above through play.

​Bob Eames

Bob, our chess tutor, is a FIDE chess master (FIDE is to chess what FIFA is to football!) He has been playing chess since the age of 4 and has been teaching chess for 8 years via Chess in Schools and Communities.

"In class, I learned how the different pieces move and how to checkmate. I really like chess because of how calming the game is. I also earned that the queen piece is worth the most points." Gabby Y6

"I love that you can play with family and friends. I play with my dad and grandad. I also love that it is a game that is not on a console." Ryan Y6

"I love chess. It is a fun board game to play. I always have so much fun playing with my friends." Kayla Y6

"It is a really good game and we have a really good teacher. Thank you Bob for teaching me." Taha Y6