BCA Holds 'Chess in Education' Seminar

The Bermuda Chess Association [BCA] held a seminar training educators to use chess as a teaching tool, with al

l participants earning FIDE certification.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Chess Association, in partnership with the world chess governing body FIDE, and the Department of Education successfully conducted a three-day seminar titled ‘Chess in Education: Preparation of Teachers.’ Hosted at AXA XL’s O’Hara House from March 3rd to March 5th, the seminar aimed to equip educators with the skills to utilize chess as an educational tool.

“The event featured Jerry Nash, FIDE’s Chairman of the Chess in Education Commission, as the keynote presenter. The seminar commenced and concluded with remarks from Bermuda’s Commissioner of Education, Kalmar Richards.

“A total of 24 educators from 16 primary and middle schools across Bermuda participated in the seminar. Attendees included teachers, educational therapists, school librarians, principals, and school chess coaches. The program focused on demonstrating how chess can enhance various educational outcomes by addressing three key skill areas:

1. 21st Century Skills – Emphasizing critical thinking, communication, creativity, and collaboration.

2. Life Skills – Including impulse control, focus, sacrifice, perseverance, patience, empathy, and foreseeing consequences.

3. Academic Skills – Using chess to improve literacy and mathematics.

   
   

“Throughout the seminar, participants engaged in dynamic discussions and workshops. At the end of the three days, the educators took an examination to attain FIDE’s School Instructor chess certification, achieving an impressive 100% pass rate.

“This is a fantastic starting point for bringing chess into schools, which will benefit children in so many aspects of their development. The teachers have worked tirelessly over the past two months, establishing school chess clubs and participating in Bermuda Chess Association training sessions at the Bermuda National Library, culminating in this three-day seminar.

“We extend gratitude to Mr. Jerry Nash for his engaging presentation, to the FIDE Planning & Development Commission for funding the event, to AXA XL for providing the venue, and to the Department of Education for their support of this vital initiative.

“This is only the beginning. We hope to continue this momentum and support further Chess in Education initiatives across the island.”