For Schools
1. General
LearnChess Academy is committed to delivering engaging and impactful chess education tailored specifically to your school's needs. Here is key information regarding our services and how we collaborate with schools.
2. DBS Checks & Safeguarding
All our coaches are fully DBS checked, with their details maintained in the DBS Update Service. We provide schools with easy access to our coaches' safeguarding documentation, ensuring complete transparency and peace of mind.
3. Staff Requirements & Ratios
Depending on your chess club size, we assign a suitable combination of Lead Coaches, Coaches, and Assistant Coaches. All our coaches undergo comprehensive safeguarding training and are experienced in delivering enjoyable, educational chess sessions.
4. School Session Requirements
To run a chess club in your school, we will need the following:
Classroom/Hall: A comfortable space capable of accommodating participating students.
Tables and Chairs: Comfortable seating and workspace for all students.
Screenboard: Ideally, a screenboard is available to enhance our interactive teaching experience using visual aids like arrows and colour coding. If unavailable, our Lead Coaches can bring portable projectors to ensure sessions remain highly engaging.
Internet Access: Not required. We prioritise student safety by using our own iPads, pre-installed with secure, child-friendly chess applications, keeping students safe and offline.
We guarantee your facilities will be left clean and tidy after each session.
5. Scheduling & Flexibility
Chess clubs typically run during lunch breaks or as after-school activities. However, we can also accommodate breakfast clubs based on your school's requirements. Students may bring packed lunches or snacks as permitted by your school’s policies.
6. Enrichment Days
Our enrichment days combine chess with Maths and English, featuring interactive puzzles and storytelling, specifically designed to foster strategic thinking, problem-solving, and curriculum-aligned academic skills. These days are flexible and tailored to your school's educational objectives.
7. Curriculum Integration
Chess naturally complements academic subjects, particularly Maths. We use chess piece values to teach and reinforce arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication, helping students grasp key mathematical concepts through engaging activities.
8. Benefits to Schools
Beyond improving strategic thinking and analytical skills, chess cultivates patience, discipline, and emotional intelligence, significantly enhancing student behaviour and overall classroom dynamics. Our unique 'Sweet Tournament' activity specifically encourages teamwork and camaraderie, reinforcing collaborative and supportive behaviours.
9. Special Occasions - Sweet Tournament
Every term concludes with our popular Sweet Tournament, promoting teamwork through friendly chess competitions. While sweets are awarded, they're collected to be taken home—never consumed during sessions. Schools must provide allergy information in advance. If your school has policies regarding sweets, we fully respect and adhere to them.
Partner with LearnChess Academy to unlock your students' potential through chess, enhancing their educational journey and fostering invaluable life skills. Contact us today to discuss your school's specific needs.