Barbreck Chess Club is open to all students from Years 1 to 6, from beginners through to advanced players.   

Students have the opportunity to play regularly, learning new chess strategies and skills as well as participate in chess competitions both at School and interschool tournaments.  

Students are always encouraged to come and try chess, but we do ask students to commit to the Chess Club on an ongoing basis if they wish to continue.  

Last year, the Barbreck Chess Club held our inaugural Barbreck Chess Tournament. It was a huge success with over 40 entrants from Years 2 to 6 competing. The Tournament will be held again in Week 10 of Term 1. More details about this event will be shared closer to the date.  

The St Catherine’s Chess Team is coached by experienced expert coach Mr Ross Neumann. Ross assists students to hone their chess-playing skills and knowledge in a fun atmosphere. 

Learning and playing chess helps children develop their thinking and problem-solving skills and improves their concentration and focus while also being a great source of enjoyment.  

A study by Monash and Deakin Universities found children who were taught chess and played regularly over time were more likely to be less risk-averse than their peers. The research also found playing chess can boost maths and rational thinking skills.