Rising chess players battle it out in local tournament
Young people from across the borough have come together to compete in an annual chess tournament, organised in partnership with local schools, Newham Council’s Enrichment Programme and education charity Chess in Schools and Communities.
Students from primary schools across the borough, year groups 3-6, were invited to join the event which included a chess lesson, lunch, tournament and prize giving ceremony. Every child who attended received a chess set and certificate, with individual medals awarded for the top scoring three pupils and school teams.
Gallions Primary school received a trophy cup for being the overall winners.
The Enrichment Programme and Chess in Schools and Communities each fund 25% of chess tuition for participating primary schools.,
The day forms part of the council’s ongoing commitment to ensure young people have creative, fun and educational experiences as part of its cultural strategy.
Vik Verma, Director of Education, Inclusion and Achievement said “We are extremely proud of our brilliant primary schools and the collective investment made in enrichment activities that are giving our children access to a broad and ambitious programme of activities. Chess is an engaging way to develop skills in problem-solving, mathematics, and sportsmanship, which these students highlighted in today's contests.
“It has been heartening to see young people engage with the schools’ chess programme across the borough and seeing so many of them compete today is a testament to the positive outcomes that stem from extra circular activities.”
Malcolm Pein, CEO of Chess in Schools and Communities commented “Chess is an effective and affordable educational intervention, promoting key academic and social skills that children will use throughout their lives. The game helps them to think logically and solve problems, it develops sportsmanship and resilience and it teaches children to plan ahead and take responsibility for their actions. It is fantastic to see the positive impact this is having with young people across Newham since our partnership with Newham Borough Council began in 2010”.