Chess In Primary Schools
No impact
for Primary reading
No impact
for Primary maths
Intervention description
This programme is delivered by Chess in Schools and Communities and involves chess being taught within normal class time for one hour a week by accredited chess coaches. A 30-week curriculum is used to teach chess, which starts by teaching children how to play chess before developing thinking skills through the use of chess problems. Participating schools also receive chess equipment, books, teaching aids and software, plus a curriculum with lesson plans, worksheets and handouts. The charity funds the major cost of the programme for qualifying primary schools in England and Wales.
Professional development/training
Each class teacher is taught how to coach chess, enabling them to support lessons and start a chess club within the school.
Evidence Summary
The Education Endowment Foundation recently ran a project investigating the effectiveness of Chess In Primary Schools, which found no evidence that the intervention raised the attainment of Key Stage 2 children. The study found a mean effect size of -0.06 in primary reading, +0.01 in primary maths and -0.01 in primary science
No impact
for Primary reading
No impact
for Primary maths
No impact
for Primary science
Key research
The Education Endowment Foundation study found no evidence that the intervention had a positive impact on mathematics attainment for the children in the trial, as measured by Key Stage 2 scores one year after the intervention ended. The same is true for science and reading. There is no evidence that the intervention had a positive impact on Key Stage 2 scores for children eligible for free school meals (FSM).
Provider
Chess In Schools and Communities
Key stages
Practices
Cost
Contact provider for quote