Chess for Social & Cognitive 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 the 350 schools now joined the Ficheall 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 productive disposition to problem solving; all of which are addressed in the free beginner lessons available to participants. 

Some testimonials from the 306 teachers who completed the course in 2022:

• “This is the first summer course that I've thoroughly enjoyed!”
• “I loved this course… I can now play Chess!!!”
• “A practical, well run and fun course that provides you with the knowledge and competence to introduce chess to any class setting.”
• “I came to the course as a total beginner! I loved how practical the course was. The week flew and we didn’t miss the time. The course was laid out excellently with short lessons, videos and mini games. I would highly recommend this course.”
• “The most enjoyable summer course I have ever done, I was sad when the week ended”
• “I was a complete nervous beginner at the start of the week, now I am confident enough to play a full game of chess and have fun in the process. Don't be afraid to try something new, I've learned a skill for life.”
• “You are winning with chess: social skills, patience, resilience, teamwork it has it all.”

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

Feel free to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ask any questions of the course.

Registrants will need a laptop or tablet from Day 3 onwards to engage with the online elements of the Chess course including online chess. Smart phones are not sufficient for this purpose.

To enrol on any of our courses: -

Step 1: To book a place on any of our summer courses teachers must be registered on our website www.carrickedcentre.ie  

Step 2: Log in and use our online booking system.

Note: Closing date for registration on all courses is 3pm on Friday 23rd June 2023

Important Points to Note for Participants of our Face-to-Face Summer Courses 2023

• All courses run from 9.30am-2.00pm every day.
• A minimum number of participants is required in order for a course to proceed. Maximum capacity is 25 on face-to-face summer courses.
• Full attendance is required to be awarded 3 EPV days.
• 2 EPV days will be awarded for 4 days attendance.
• 1 EPV day will be awarded for 3 days attendance. (Regardless of the reason for the absence).
• No EPV days will be awarded for less than 3 days attendance.
• Lunch break is from 11.30-12.00 each day and a light lunch will be provided each day.

All our summer courses are booked on the condition that the course fee is non-refundable. Course Fees are not transferrable to another teacher. Unfortunately, if you wish to cancel your place on one of our courses or you are unable to attend the course, we are not in a position to refund fees. The course fee can only be refunded if the Education Centre cancels the course.