All GATE students have the exciting opportunity to learn and play chess, which acts as a fantastic training ground for the brain. This activity is far more than just a game; it is a powerful way to develop essential STEAM skills and build the concentration and problem-solving abilities used by scientists and engineers every day.
Our program encourages students to sharpen these skills by participating in a single-elimination GATE Chess Tournament held in the Fall and again in January. This competitive experience gives students in third through fifth grade an extra week to practice and test their growing abilities.
The tournament is an excellent chance to showcase sportsmanship and perseverance. At the conclusion, the first and second-place finishers in each class will receive a medal and be honored on our Chess Board of Fame! Since we host a second tournament in January after Winter Break, students are encouraged to continue refining their skills throughout the year and will have an opportunity for a rematch!
For those who love competition, there is an additional All Schools Chess Tournament typically held in February, conducted by the Bartlesville Chess Club. We love seeing our GATE students bring their advanced planning and strategic thinking to the wider community and aim for the top spots! We will send out registration information for this event as soon as it is posted. Be sure to come back for a look at our winners' photos once the tournament concludes!