Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, is championing the value of playing chess
in schools after recently visiting the UK’s largest chess festival organised by
Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC).
CSC already teaches chess to
pupils at East Tilbury Primary School and the local MP is hoping that more
schools will follow suit.
The formation of CSC was
inspired by research demonstrating the links between the teaching of chess in
schools and their pupil’s academic performance. International chess player
Martin Malcolm Pein made his vision a reality in 2010, teaching chess to
schools and inner city communities to improve children’s educational outcomes
and foster their social development.
In three years CSC have
introduced chess to over 250 schools in over 50 boroughs across England and
Wales and taught the game to over 30,000 children.
Mr Metcalfe commented: “Chess
is universally inclusive, crossing all barriers of class, gender, age,
disability, and language. It also has a host of benefits for children and young
people, encouraging them to plan ahead, strategise, and prioritise. The self
esteem that can gained from learning to play is invaluable, as is the
opportunity to learn good sportsmanship.”
“The educational advantages
of having chess in schools are well established and I hope that more schools in
South Basildon and East Thurrock will get plugged in with the great work of
CSC.”
For further information on the work
of CSC and to find out how your school can be involved please visit: www.chessinschools.co.uk
