At The Redeemer, we encourage Chess because of the many benefits it offers to players. It teaches children (and adults) logical thinking, problem solving as well as resilience and sportsmanship. Also, that practice makes permanent.

Most of all though, we teach Chess because it's fun!

We promote Chess in three main ways:

Chess Club

Chess Club is for children who want to learn about the magic of Chess. It runs every term - through Children's University - for 20 children from KS2. The children will be taught the basics of Chess leading into match play tactics so they leave confident, enthusiastic chess players. The lessons are guided by support from the charity Chess in Schools and Communities. Chess Club is also supported by our two Year 6 Chess Leaders: Isaac and Isaac.

Below is a guide that covers the content of Chess Club sessions.

Chess Match Play

At lunchtimes, children have the opportunity to take part in Chess matches and place on the Redeemer Chess League Table. This is for more confident players who are keen to test themselves against their peers in tournament style matches. 

Matches are played using Chess clocks and standard Over The Board Rules.

07.03.23 Redeemer Vs Wensley Fold CE

Huge well done to our Redeemer team playing their first matches against another school. The children worked really hard and showed all the work they have been putting in, winning more than they lost. Thank you also to Wensley Fold for being such great hosts and the juice and biscuits. 

11.07.23 Tockholes Away

On Wednesday, we took 4 of our Year 6 children, who have had shown great commitment to Chess Club over the years (some of them attended the first ever session!), to our sister school Tockholes. All children played brilliantly and it was great to have spectators!

Chess Kid

All children who attend Chess Club or take part in Chess Match Play receive a basic account for Chess Kid (clickable link).

This is a website and downloadable app for children to learn more about Chess and practice their gameplay.

The website has a lot of useful features. The 3 particular features we promote are:

• Puzzles: Children can complete 3 puzzles a day to help give them practice in match situations.

• Lessons: Children can watch and take part in one lesson a day to further their chess education. 

• Matches: Children have the option to play against the computer, a random child user of Chess Kid or a friend in our Redeemer Club.

This website has been built with safeguarding in mind and has many features to ensure child use the website safely. Further documents to explain this can be found below.

Mr Smallridge is the team coach on Chess Kid. If there are any issues, please contact him via Class Dojo or in person.