EPV Approved - Chess for Social & Cognitive Skills – Ficheall Network - Summer 2025

EPV Approved - Chess for Social & Cognitive Skills – Ficheall Network - Summer 2025

Course Title: “Chess for Social & Cognitive Skills – Ficheall Network”

Course Categorisation: Teaching & Learning

Maximum Capacity: 25

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 1 in every 5 primary schools now joined the Ficheall network. It is an excellent extension to teaching the SPHE curriculum from 1st to 6th class, as well as being a fun hobby for students (and teachers) on rainy days. It 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. The course is excellent preparation for teachers looking to teach chess to children in 2025/2026 and register for the one-day fun-and-friendly, meet-and-greet, non-competitive Féile Fichille events.

The course is approved for 3 EPV Days.

Some testimonials from the 386 teachers who completed the course in 2024:

• “Thanks so much for a fantastic, hands-on learning experience. Hands down the most engaging EPV course I've ever attended!”
• “If you want a summer course where you get to have fun and learn new skills in a relaxed, easy-going, pressure-free environment, then this is the course for you! I really enjoyed the week, and it's the first time I'm sad a summer course is over. SIGN UP! You won't regret it!”
• A course that empowers teachers to inspire pupils to develop a lifelong enjoyment of an ancient game.
• Not only did this course provide me with a new and concrete set of tools for teaching social skills, but I also learned a new skill and pastime for myself - supporting the well-being of pupils and teachers all in one!
• As a total chess novice, it was personally and professionally the best course EVER!!
• Delighted I chose to do this course. Very engaging all week, and there was great camaraderie and competition! Leaving the course knowing how to play well and how to set up in the classroom. Would do this again.

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 game 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 to address the SPHE curriculum
• How to organise a school chess club, a school chess team, and in-school chess competitions

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

 

Dates:  7th to 11th July 2025

Time: 9.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. daily (20 hrs in total)

Lunch:  A light lunch will be provided daily, at 11.30 a.m.   

Facilitated by: Marie Claire Morrisey

Location: Marshalstown NS

Cost: €50.00 

Please note that all our summer courses are booked on the condition that the course fee is non-refundable. Course Fees are not transferable 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.

EPV Approved - Extra Personal Vacation Rule 58 Of The Rules For National Schools

Please see the link below.

https://www.gov.ie/en/circular/6728152374fa4bf7965053ac7bed1373/

Thank you for your continued support of Wexford Education Support Centre.