Chess for Social
& Cognitive Skills is like no other summer course as it is extremely hands-on and teacher-centred.
Chess is a growing pastime in Irish primary schools with 1 in every 5 primary
schools now joined the Ficheall network. It is an excellent extension to
teaching the SPHE curriculum from 1st-6th class as well
as being a fun hobby for students (and teachers) for rainy days. It promotes a
variety of social and cognitive skills such as respect, forward planning,
problem solving, decision making, accepting defeat, understanding resilience
and developing a productive disposition to problem solving; all of which are
addressed in the free beginner lessons available to participants. The course is
excellent preparation for teachers looking to teach chess to children in
2025/2026 and register for the one-day fun-and-friendly, meet-and-greet,
non-competitive Féile Fichille events.
Some testimonials from the 386 teachers who completed
the course in 2024:
“Thanks so much for
a fantastic, hands-on learning experience. Hands down the most engaging EPV
course I've ever attended!”
“If you want a
summer course where you get to have fun and learn new skills in a relaxed, easy
going, pressure-free environment then this is the course for you! I really enjoyed the week and it's the first
time I'm sad a summer course is over. SIGN UP! You won't regret it!”
A course that
empowers teachers, to inspire pupils to develop a life-long enjoyment of an
ancient game.
Not only did this
course provide me with a new and concrete set of tools for teaching social
skills, I also learned a new skill and pastime for myself - supporting the
well-being of pupils and teachers all in one!
As a total chess
novice, it was personally and professional the best course EVER!!
Delighted I chose
to do this course. Very engaging all week and there was great comradery and
competition! Leaving the course knowing how to play well and how to set up in
the classroom. Would do this again.
Teachers will
have the opportunity to learn how to play chess by playing chess mini-games
against other novice teachers. The course
will teach all participants:
how to play chess (from zero prior knowledge) and the best methods of
teaching primary school children as young as first class the game using a fun,
games-based approach how to utilise chess as an
additional resource in teaching social skills in the mainstream and special education
classroom to address the SPHE curriculum
how to organise a school
chess club, school chess team and in-school chess competitions