Somerset Primary is progressing toward international recognition by the FIDE Chess in Education Commission (FIDE EDU), marking a significant milestone in the school’s efforts to use chess as a tool to support student learning, well-being, and character development. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) governs international chess competition.
Launched in March 2025, the school’s chess programme operates in partnership with the Bermuda Chess Association and the Department of Education, ensuring alignment with international best practices and structured instruction standards.
Central to the programme’s success is the leadership of Ms. Sophie Burch and Mrs. Kelly Massa, who have completed formal training through FIDE. Both educators earned their School Instructor certification after attending a three-day seminar, followed by a two-day advanced course in summer 2026 to obtain School Lead Instructor certification.
Chess has been intentionally integrated into Somerset Primary’s Guidance and Counselling programme, reinforcing skills such as critical thinking, emotional regulation, ethical decision-making, resilience, and respectful competition. Students also participate in structured instruction and practice during the school’s weekly Hornet’s Nest clubs, part of the school’s broader commitment to holistic development.
The programme has already demonstrated measurable impact. All participating students sustained focus throughout their matches and demonstrated respect in both victory and defeat - underscoring the strong connection between chess and social-emotional learning.
Student feedback following a recent tournament further highlighted the programme’s success. In a post-event survey of 26 students:
- 100% reported having fun
- 84.6% said the game length was “just right”
- 88.5% felt the level of difficulty was appropriate
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73.1% expressed interest in participating again
Students reflected positively on their experiences, citing strategy, concentration, fairness, and the quiet focus required during play.
The school has also celebrated competitive achievements. Primary 4 students Gabriella Cann and Chivya Konaru represented Somerset Primary at the Checkmate Betul Girls’ Tournament on 1 December 2025, where Gabriella Cann earned an impressive third-place finish.
Congratulations are also extended to Noah Pedro (P5), Antonia Walker (P4), and Nesta Woods (P5), who each won all three matches in the Term One Intramural Chess Competition, and to Gilbert Richards House, the overall house winners.
Mrs. Kelly Massa noted, “The chess programme is helping students to become strategic thinkers, sustain focus, and develop strong sportsmanship skills.”
School leadership has observed broader impacts as well. Principal Mr. O'Brien Osborne added, “Chess is strengthening students’ working memory in ways that reach far beyond the chess board, and over time we hope this will translate into improved academic performance. The chess room itself has become a safe haven for children who find social interactions challenging, an impact we are now seeing reflected in more confident and positive play on the playground.”
Minister of Education, the Hon. Crystal Caesar, also commended the programme, noting the high level of enthusiasm and engagement demonstrated by students. “It is truly inspiring to witness the level of focus, excitement, and genuine enjoyment our students bring to the game of chess,” said Minister Caesar. “Beyond the board, there is observed meaningful growth in essential life skills such as discipline, sportsmanship, and a strong sense of camaraderie. These are qualities that are clearly carrying over into students’ everyday interactions, how they support one another, how they manage challenges, and how they show respect in all aspects of school life. This is the kind of holistic development we strive to cultivate across our education system.”
As Somerset Primary continues its journey toward official FIDE EDU recognition, the school remains committed to nurturing confident thinkers, resilient learners, and respectful competitors - one move at a time.