The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports’ Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament will see seven schools in the Territory vying for the title of Chess Champion from December 12 to 13, 2023. Photo: VINO/File

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) said the sport of chess contributes to the critical thinking element of a S.T.E.A.M.-approach education. Photo: GIS/File

The seven registered secondary schools in the tournament include Bregado Flax Educational Centre, Claudia Creque Educational Centre, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Cedar International School, Elmore Stoutt High School, St George’s Secondary School and the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies.

'Critical thinking'

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), in a Government Information Service (GIS) press release on December 5, 2023, said the sport of chess contributes to the critical thinking element of a S.T.E.A.M.-approach education.

The Minister said, “At Innovation Week 2023, we saw how the chess portion was a huge success, consistent from the previous year. This year, the young men, specifically the seniors from the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS), did not want to leave the chess station. From this, we anticipate the excitement of the Inter-Secondary School Tournament to be riveting and change the way, not only in reimagining education but also by adding to the landscape and culture of sports in the Territory.”

Chess is 'an invaluable tool'- PS Potter

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Marcia Potter said that the Ministry supports the initiative of chess in schools and added, “We have embraced chess as an invaluable tool in our S.T.E.A.M. approach as all children can benefit from learning the game.”

Acting Chief Education Officer Mrs Orlandette R. Crabbe stated that studies have shown that playing chess builds necessary skills needed in the 21st Century.  

Mrs Crabbe said, “Chess fits well with S.T.E.A.M. education because it addresses high-order thinking skills, analysing, evaluating and creating.” She added, “Chess allows children to focus, plan, think ahead, and even visualise moves in a structured and logical manner, as they must learn to adapt quickly after receiving an unexpected move, making them flexible and creative.” 

The 2-day tournament will be held at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, and the public is invited to support the schools and their players.