As part NCM, this November, schools can jointly organise a local “chess jamboree” with the emphasis on fun and participation. Ideally, a full class from four different schools would participate.
Twenty organisers who apply to .. ncm2018@movesforlife.ie will get a €200 grant towards the cost of running their Jamboree (prizes, refreshments, etc).
Jamborees would last 60-90 minutes, happen during the school day, and involve 5 or 6 quick games. Teachers will praise and reward social and sporting play. Schools may be asked to contribute a small sum to the cost – typically €1 per child.
To run a Jamboree is simple :
- Players are given a score card. The card clearly states the rules and everything they’ll be doing during and after the games. The organiser can read out the details and confirm everyone knows whats happening.
- Students then keep a record of their game results using their own Score Card and the organiser notifies them when each game is over by saying .. “Count your Captures ” , players note the result on their Score Cards, then the organiser announces “Next Game ” and students move to their new place and face a new opponent.
- Click to download player Score-Cards. After downloading you can (if you want to) change the type of game from a full game to one of the mini-games (e.g. pawn Wars) depending on the level of your players.
- A ” trial Jamboree ” can be practiced as an in class event, then as an in school event, and finally when you are ready to a full inter-schools event.
- With a four class jamboree students would play 2 players from each class giving them a total of 6 games.
Five teachers are running a jamboree for National Chess Month and have been awarded a €200 grant. They are:
- Peter McCabe, St Columbanus NS, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin.
- Fionnuala Knox, Gaelscoil Phort Láirge, Ballygunner, Co Waterford.
- Maria Aylward, St Declan’s BNS Waterford.
- Brendan McHugh, St Patrick’s NS Castlebar Co Mayo.
- Lesley Wilkinson, Ballyraine NS Letterkenny Co Donegal.
Congratulations, all .. Fifteen more grants available.
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