Foundation Chess (Ages 8-10)

A foundation programme for 8-10 year olds who know how the pieces move but have little regular playing experience. Students learn opening principles such as controlling the centre, developing pieces and castling, basic checkmates with queen and rook, algebraic notation and how to use a chess clock.

How the sessions work

• Two 75-minute sessions a week, with no more than 10 students
• The first half of each session is teaching and puzzles, the second half clock games and game analysis
• A homework book of 10 puzzles every week
• A monthly in-club mini tournament

By the end of the term

Students can record their moves in notation, play with a clock and recognise basic mating patterns. We recommend that students who complete this level play their first rated (UKD) tournament, and we guide parents through the licensing steps beforehand. Parents can follow the number of club games each student plays and their results in the parent app, and every student receives a file of their recorded games at the end of the term.