Primary Chess Festival launches new core activity across Redhill Academy Trust

Last week, our primary schools came together for a spectacular afternoon of skill, strategy and standout moves in Redhill Academy Trust’s first ever Primary Chess Festival.

The hall of host academy The Bolsover School was buzzing with excitement as selected pupils from across our Trust enjoyed a varied timetable of chess activities, from memory challenges to tactical mini games, designing their own chess pieces to ‘the Big Chess Quiz’, before stepping up to the boards for a series of head-to-head matches that tested their strategy and focus.

Teamwork, patience and sportsmanship were on display both on and off the board, as pupils gathered to cheer-on their teammates in this inaugural Trust chess event.

Jonny South, Redhill Academy Trust’s Chess Co-ordinator, said: “I was really impressed with how skilled and focused our primary pupils were; their enthusiasm was infectious and really brought the event to life.”

“I was also very proud of the group of older students from The Bolsover School chess club who took the lead with each of the event stations; we really couldn't have done it without them.”

It was Hunloke Park Primary School that were declared the overall champions, having clocked up the most points throughout the event, taking back to school a smart wooden chess set as their prize.

Chess joins handball, rowing and boccia on the roster of core activities available for all our young people to try; with the aim of building resilience, respect for others and self-confidence.