"When I show the Grade Ones the basic moves of chess I often see the world opening to them. They go home and want to play their parents (who come after school to learn what their children know). They take their boards out at lunch on dreary days and challenge anyone, even Grade Sevens. Here they learn that they can communicate with many and varied age groups and, as well as have fun, learn new skills and moves. Over 30 years of introducing children to chess has brought an enormous amount of fulfilment to me and has been a way of extending the confidence and self esteem of many children who proudly say, "Yes, I play chess. Want a game?" Maureen Ruzans Marymount College

"I have watched scores of primary school children learn to play chess over the last three years. Chess is a very maturing experience for children. They learn to win, and even more importantly, to lose graciously. There is no element of "chance" in chess, so it is a great forum for teaching that hard work and persistence pay off. It is also most useful in developing concentration skills and the demonstrating the benefit of "thinking through" strategies. The social benefits are also very real. As a consequence of playing chess, there has been a real breakdown of age barriers at our school, and not just for the purpose of chess playing. For example, children in the more senior primary school grades have made real and lasting friendships with younger children (who in a lot of cases are the better chess players!). Chess has also been a forum for children to shine unexpectedly. We have found that some children (particularly boys) who had never "stood out" at anything before have found a real niche for themselves playing and excelling at chess. Gillian Bristow Bardon State School

"TSS Secondary has been using Gardiner Chess coaches since 2003, when we first competed in the Queensland GPS Chess competition. The development of chess in the school since then has been an indication of the expert and enthusiastic coaching our students have received. Having chess at the school has given the opportunity for many more students to participate in a co-curricular activity that they enjoy and that can improve their memory, concentration and thinking skills." Mr Rob Clegg Head of IT Department The Southport School

"Chess is a fun and motivating way to get children to think logically and solve problems. It is challenging entertainment that promotes mental alertness, memory and concentration. Because it is a game, it is not thought of as being a learning activity. Chess is a game that suits all ages and allows socialisation between the age groups. It is also a great way for students who lack social skills in the playground to practise their social skills. In this game, instant feedback is given for right and wrong decisions." Terry Breen Sunnybank Hills