Checkmate challenge at chess contest

Aspiring chess masters went head to head in a competition organised by a West Norfolk multi-academy trust.

The West Norfolk Academies Trust Chess Tournament was open to players from across the Trust’s four secondary schools, including Marshland High School in West Walton, Smithdon High School in Hunstanton, Springwood High School in King’s Lynn, and St Clement’s High School in Terrington St Clement.

Twelve students from each school were chosen to play in the contest, which was taking place for the second time, and was hosted by Marshland.

“There were ten players in each team, plus two reserves,” explained Marshland’s Headteacher, Craig Jansen, who oversaw the event. “Each player played a member of another school’s team, one-to-one. A win scored two points, a draw one point, and a loss no points. The team with the most points at the end of six rounds won.”

This year it was the Springwood chess players that emerged victorious, followed in second place by Smithdon, with Marshland third, and St Clement’s fourth.

As Springwood had previously won last year’s event, the school was able to retain the Chess Shield, while each member of the team received a winner’s medal.

“Playing chess supports the development of students’ higher-order thinking skills, such as critical thinking and problem solving,” continued Mr Jansen. 

“This type of event also builds students’ confidence, as well as their team skills. The healthy competition between the four schools in our Trust also builds comradeship between our schools.”