Féile Fichille Chess Tournaments
As a focus for students learning chess for social skills in term one, Ficheall organise fun and friendly, non-competitive chess tournaments for schools called Féile Fichille or Chess Festival in term two each year. The one-day tournaments typically involve 8 schools and 140 children playing chess in a large hall. There are no prizes at the end of the one-day tournament so there’s no pressure to be a grandmaster. Students learn the basics and come to meet and play with students from other schools. Best of all, chess teams are encouraged to attend Féile Fichille in their school jerseys/colours. More information on tournaments is available here.
Free Beginner Lessons
Ficheall volunteer teachers have created 10 beginner lessons for any teacher to use in their classroom from 1st to 6th class. The beginner lessons feature videos designed by primary school teachers in Ireland, PowerPoint slides and lesson plans. The Chess for Social Skills lessons are uniquely linked to the SPHE lessons and are designed to develop students’ understanding of respect, accepting defeat, planning ahead, etiquette, teamwork, decision making, patience, understanding of safe and unsafe, resilience and practice. If you think your students could benefit from these lessons they are free to access:Other Opportunities
● Join the Mailing List - Join the Ficheall mailing list here to receive the Ficheall newsletter every two months
● Resources as Gaeilge - Conas Ficheall a Imirt? YouTube playlist of videos as gaeilge designed by Ficheall volunteer teachers
● Summer Courses - Ficheall organise summer courses for teachers to learn how to play chess and use the Ficheall resources called Chess for Social Skills. Keep an eye on the Ficheall CPD page for updates.
● YouTube Channel - with 9 playlists featuring 82 videos created by volunteer Ficheall teachers, you’ll be sure to find something helpful here @Ficheallie
● Teacher Chess Club - Join the online teacher chess club which is available weekly. More information and sign up here.
● Chess & Numeracy - Get set for Maths Week with some chess-based numeracy activities available here
If you have any further queries, please email Sligo Ficheall Area Coordinator Lorna McHugh at sligo@ficheall.ie