Dates for your diary: GM led Coaching Days / Institute of Chess Exams for 2018-19 Season

Our popular GM led Coaching Days are back for the 2018-19 season.

These sessions follow the Institute of Chess levels and syllabus and there is the opportunity to do exams at CD2 (levels 1 and 2) and CD4 (levels 3, 4, 5) if your child would like to take them. The dates and venue are:

CD1 - Sunday 7th October - Sevenoaks Primary School, Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3LB

registration 9.30am - finishes approximately 4.30pm.

CD2 - Sunday 11th November - Sevenoaks Primary School, Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3LB

registration 9.30am - finishes approximately 4.30pm.

CD3 - Sunday 20th January - Sevenoaks Primary School, Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3LB

registration 9.30am - finishes approximately 4.30pm.

CD4 - Sunday 24th February - Sevenoaks Primary School, Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 3LB

registration 9.30am - finishes approximately 4.30pm.

Please note CD4 - unfortunately this date clashes with the popular West of England junior championships in Swindon. However, it is very difficult to find another suitable date. If this clash affects any of our young players, then we will offer an additional session / date for those that want to take their institute of chess exam. More details nearer to the time and when we know the numbers affected.

For more detailed information and FAQ's about our Coaching Days, please go to: http://www.kjca.org/site/page?view=training

The updated Registration pages will be live later this week. Watch this space .......

Please note:

Provided your son or daughter achieved a merit or distinction at the previous level you sat, we are happy for you to move up and register for the next level. If you obtained a ‘pass’ at any level, then clearly there are good things that have been taken on board but we recommend that you re-take that course to help you get to grips with all of the topics involved. Moving up ‘too soon’ only leads to further problems down the line and it really isn’t fun when too much material is going over a child’s head.

It is not a race to see who can get through all the exams as quickly as possible and rather all about discovering and understanding different aspects of the game that can be applied when they sit down and play their matches, and also about a relaxed and fun environment where children can learn and enjoy their chess.

We really want our coaching days to be fun but by the same token we don’t want anyone spending a day listening to things that they already totally understand. Specifically, with regards to levels 1 and 2 and new arrivals to the coaching days, boys and girls will be assessed on the first morning of attendance to check they are in an appropriate group.

Levels 1 and 2 are two day courses (with exams sat at the end of CD2 and CD4), there will be a choice of permutations to attend. If your child is a beginner but you feel may be a quick learner and were hoping to join level 3 next season, then for example level 1 in CDs 1 and 2 with the intention of doing level 2 in CD 3 and 4.

We will ensure that the test are accessible to all that want to take them and appropriate adult assistance will be available, however there is absolutely no compulsion to take an exam should a child feel unprepared or anxious.

Our coaching team are all looking forward to more successful Coaching Days and welcome lots of young chess players.

See you all soon

Grandmaster Chris Ward