Every morning the boys from Nicky Iffla and Didi Caddy’s class start the day with a game of chess. According to Mrs Iffla, they love the “challenge” and “competitiveness” of the game, while stimulating their minds in the process.

With the assistance of several parents, the tradition began with just a handful of students in Barbara Bosich’s Pre-Primary class last year.  As many of these students moved up into Year 1, their enthusiasm for chess grew significantly. “Initially we had just four students who were really keen,” Mrs Iffla said, “They taught the entire class how to play.”

Take Year 1 student Theo, for example, who is so passionate about chess that he volunteered to play head-to-head against Acting Deputy Head of the Prep School Terri Gale. “I won!” He said, “Even though she really was trying her best.”

Other students Malcolm, Barney and Oscar agreed that the game was a lot of fun. It is this drive that has encouraged many of the boys in 1CI to participate in the Prep School Chess Club. The age factor has not inhibited their ability to do well in the game, according to Mrs Iffla.

“I think it really teaches them about strategy and mathematics from an early age. Thinking a few steps ahead in a game like chess is really good for their brains,” she said. “We hope they will play for years to come.”