Chess for Social & Cognitive Skills – Ficheall Network - 26SU09 (Facilitator Clare Balfe & Shane Finnegan)

Chess for Social & Cognitive Skills is like no other summer course as it is extremely hands-on and teacher-centred. Chess is a growing pastime in Irish primary schools with 1 in every 4 primary schools now joined the Ficheall network. It is an excellent extension to teaching the SPHE curriculum from 1^st-6^th class as well as being a fun hobby for students (and teachers) for rainy days. It promotes a variety of social and cognitive skills such as respect, forward planning, problem solving, decision making, accepting defeat, understanding resilience and developing a productive disposition to problem solving; all of which are addressed in the free beginner lessons available to participants. The course is excellent preparation for teachers looking to teach chess to children in 2026/2027 and register for the one-day fun-and-friendly, meet-and-greet, non-competitive Féile Fichille events.

Course is approved for 3 EPV Days.

Some testimonials from 2,000+ teachers who completed the course in recent years:

• “Thanks so much for a fantastic, hands-on learning experience. Hands down the most engaging EPV course I've ever attended!”
• “If you want a summer course where you get to have fun and learn new skills in a relaxed, easy going, pressure-free environment then this is the course for you!  I really enjoyed the week and it's the first time I'm sad a summer course is over. SIGN UP! You won't regret it.
• A course that empowers teachers, to inspire pupils to develop a life-long enjoyment of an ancient game.
• Not only did this course provide me with a new and concrete set of tools for teaching social skills, I also learned a new skill and pastime for myself - supporting the well-being of pupils and teachers all in one as a total chess novice, it was personally and professional the best course EVER!!
• Delighted I chose to do this course. Very engaging all week and there was great comradery and competition! Leaving the course knowing how to play well and how to set up in the classroom. Would do this again.

Teachers will have the opportunity to learn how to play chess by playing chess mini-games against other novice teachers. The course will teach all participants:

• how to play chess (from zero prior knowledge) and the best methods of teaching primary school children as young as first class the game using a fun, games-based approach.
• how to utilise chess as an additional resource in teaching social skills in the mainstream and special education classroom to address the SPHE curriculum.
• how to organise a school chess club, school chess team and in-school chess competitions.

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ask any questions of the course.

To enrol on any of our courses: -

Step 1: To book a place on any of our summer courses teachers must be registered on our website www.carrickedcentre.ie  

Step 2: Log in and use our online booking system.

Note: Closing date for registration on all courses is 3pm on Friday 19th June 2026.

Important Points to Note for Participants of our Face-to-Face Summer Courses 2026.

• All courses run from 9.30am-2.00pm every day.
• A minimum number of 10 participants is required in order for this course to proceed. Maximum capacity is 20 on this face-to-face summer course.
• Full attendance is required to be awarded 3 EPV days.
• 2 EPV days will be awarded for 4 days attendance.
• 1 EPV day will be awarded for 3 days attendance. (Regardless of the reason for the absence).
• No EPV days will be awarded for less than 3 days attendance.
• Lunch break is from 11.30-12.00 each day and a light lunch will be provided each day.

Venue: St Joseph’s National School, Longford, N39 DY23

All our summer courses are booked on the condition that the course fee is non-refundable unless stated otherwise. Course Fees are not transferrable to another teacher. Unfortunately, if you wish to cancel your place on one of our courses or you are unable to attend the course, we are not in a position to refund fees unless stated otherwise. The course fee can only be refunded if the Education Centre cancels the course.