Chess for Social Skills: Ficheall

Chess for Social 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 over 200 schools now joined with the Ficheall.ie network of teachers promoting chess in Primary schools. It is an excellent hobby for students (and teachers) for rainy days and promotes a variety of social and cognitive skills such as respect, forward-planning, problem-solving, decision-making, accepting defeat, understanding resilience and developing a growth mind-set when exploring a new skill; all of which are explicitly addressed in the free beginner lessons available to participants.

Some testimonials from the 172 teachers who have completed the Summer Course in 2021 include;

• “As a total beginner to chess, I found this course so worthwhile, after a week I have the knowledge and confidence to start chess classes with my class. I actually can't wait to get it up and running, I'm addicted!”
• “The first summer course I've done that I was excited to start each day!”
• “Learn social skills while having fun through the game of chess!”
• “A course that when completed you can actually say you have learned an entire new skill! Amazing!”
• “By far the most engaging, practical and enjoyable CPD course I have ever done! I would recommend all teachers do this course.”
• “This is a fun course!”
• “Brilliant: learning, play and a social place. Ideal way to spend the first week of July!”
• “Teach your students good sportsmanship without PE!”

Teachers will have the opportunity to learn how to play chess by playing mini chess 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 rules 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, and
• How to organise a school chess club, school chess team and in-school chess competitions.

A variety of digital teaching resources will be made available to all participants. This Summer Course has been hosted through eight Education Centres around Ireland since 2016 and always receives the highest standard of feedback. It attracts Principals and experienced teachers looking for something new and easy to implement in their schools. Newly Qualified Teachers also find the course an excellent addition to their CV. Feel free to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ask any questions about this Summer Course.

James O' Gorman

James O’Gorman is a Fourth - Sixth Class teacher in Galmoy N.S. in North Kilkenny. Having completed the Chess for Social Skills: Ficheall Summer Course himself, James has been teaching chess in Galmoy N.S. for the past two years. Chess has provided their school with an opportunity to develop social skills amongst students, as well as enhancing strategic and logical thinking skills in a fun and inclusive way! James is looking forward to sharing ideas on how chess may benefit your school community in this year's Summer Course!