Students at Maryborough Education Centre , 45km west of Castlemaine, are fast becoming proficient chess players.
In term 1 our program developer, Harry Poulton, worked with Well-Being Officer Marg Gallagher to adapt the Chess-Squared Program to Years 3-4-5-6 students at Maryborough Education Centre, and the results were immediate.
Gallagher said: ‘The level of interest of even the youngest students has been astonishing and their skills acquisition has been most impressive. Chess builds resilience and supports students in important learning areas such as Mathematics and Wellbeing.’
'Many students have displayed excellent organisation and planning skills in a short space of time and their enthusiasm for the game has been sustained.'
Poulton observed: “It seems the MEC has a commitment to combining innovation and pastoral care into all programs to deliver quality education to students with diverse needs.”
Poulton has noted a direct relationship with the level of support from the classroom teacher and the success of the program in all schools he has worked in. The success, it seems, isnt just having a tutor, but the subtle messages the classroom teacher gives out. Their presence, and level of involvement, give students strong messages.
With help from the parents club, the school has recently acquired two large chess sets which are in great demand as a playground activity.
2 comments:
Congratulations Harry on the Maryborough program!!
Steve and Harry this is terrific. The teacher looks really thoughtful and engrossed. It is inspiring to see so many young people get the chance to learn and play the 'game of kings'.
I hear people over in Maryborough do it hard and the kids don't get the same cultural advantages as some of the city kids so it is magnificent what the Chess Squared program is doing-we need more innovative kid friendly programs like this- keep up the good work guys.
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