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Chess Lessons
Chess Lessons
All children in Key Stage Two enjoy a weekly 45-minute chess lesson delivered by a specialist chess teacher. These engaging sessions are carefully structured to develop not only pupils’ understanding of the game, but also a wide range of transferable skills that support their wider learning.
Chess is a powerful tool for developing critical thinking, problem-solving and strategic planning. Through regular play, pupils learn to think ahead, evaluate different possibilities and make considered decisions - skills that are essential both in and beyond the classroom. The game also strengthens concentration, resilience and patience, as children learn to reflect on mistakes and adapt their strategies.
Importantly, chess has strong links to mathematics. It reinforces key mathematical concepts such as pattern recognition, logical reasoning, sequencing and spatial awareness. Pupils naturally apply skills such as analysing positions, predicting outcomes and calculating consequences - all of which closely mirror the reasoning and problem-solving strands of the maths curriculum. By engaging in chess, children build confidence in logical thinking and develop a positive mindset towards tackling complex mathematical challenges.
Our weekly chess lessons are therefore not only an exciting enrichment opportunity, but also a valuable extension of our academic curriculum, supporting children to become thoughtful, analytical and resilient learners.
Year 6 Kempton Park Races
Our Year 6 pupils enjoyed an engaging and memorable educational visit to Kempton Park Racecourse, where they explored a range of mathematical concepts in a real-life context. Throughout the workshop, the children applied their understanding of both imperial and metric measurements, perimeter, and other areas of maths linked to horse racing and racecourse design. The experience provided an exciting opportunity to see how maths is used beyond the classroom, and the day concluded with the pupils watching a couple of live races, making it both educational and highly enjoyable.
AIM High - Year 5 & 6
On 10th December, 8 children from year 5 and year 6 participated in an Aim High Maths day, where they challenged their reasoning and problem solving skills. They were set different puzzles to complete throughout the day and used their problem solving skills to come up with the answers. They were also challenged in their thinking of maths and what maths is as they are supposed to ask questions to gain new knowledge. They also learned some new tips and tricks for faster maths arithmetic. To end the day off they were able to witness a magic trick with their school name spelled out in numbers when held upside down. They all had a great day and learned a lot more about Maths and challenged themselves as well.
AIM High - Year 3 & 4
The Aim High Maths Day is an incredible event hosted by mathematician Andrew Jeffrey at Downsell Primary School. The children of St Helen's Catholic Primary School were given booklets with exciting activities and learned lots of wonderful tricks to help accelerate and streamline their maths such as the "ninja rice flick" and how useful number bonds are in day to day applications. They also learned about hypotheses and how to make predictions.
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