The public usually perceives chess as being for smart children or as an elite activity. Yet chess can reach to all children irrespective of their cognitive faculties. We look at some important projects where chess can make a positive difference.

Marion Schöttelndreier (Sweden) – Assistant Principal I Hedda Andersson High School, Lund

Marion Schöttelndreier has during the last 12 years worked as assistant principal at different lower and upper secondary schools and works since 2020 at Hedda Anderssongymnasiet in Lund (Sweden). Originally from Germany, she studied biology in Göttingen and came for her PhD to Lund in 1995. After her PhD she stayed in Sweden and started working as a teacher in biology and chemistry for upper secondary students.

For 20 years I have worked at lower and upper secondary schools, both as teacher and as assistant school principal. During this time, I have met many children that struggle, often as a result of finding at hard to concentrate over longer times. Sitting still during lessons is difficult, not only for younger children but even students up to 19-20 years. When I had a teacher who started organizing afternoons with chess and even used his breaks between lessons for playing chess with the students, it was amazing to see how the same students could sit concentrated for an hour or more and played chess. In my talk I will talk focus on those students and the social advantages of chess in schools.

Beatrice Rapaccini (Italy), Mathematics Teacher I I.I.S P. Cuppari – High School

Beatrice Rapaccini is a passionate teacher who promotes creative learning. She has developed innovative approaches to teaching chess in kindergarten and primary school that encourage students to think creatively. Beatrice is also a facilitator for the MOOC Learning Creative Learning offered by the Lifelong Kindergarten, MIT Media Lab. Currently on leave in Sweden, Beatrice is continuing her work as a STEAM teacher trainer, helping educators integrate creative thinking into their curricula. In addition, she is also a strong advocate for promoting women’s participation in STEM fields. She participates in projects and designed workshops focused on this topic.

Creative thinking and creativity are essential for preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century. The presentation highlights the potential of chess as a platform to foster innovation and encourage imaginative thinking, encouraging individuals to approach the game not only as a competitive activity but also as a means of enhancing their overall creativity.

Mikkel Nørgaard (Denmark) – Chief Learning Officer I Danish Scholastic Chess Federation

I’ve been one of app. 12 full time employees with the Danish Scholastic Chess Federation for 13 years. I manage a number of projects the organization has with the Danish government, municipalities, foundations etc. Among those are “The Day of Scholastic Chess” which takes place every year in february. This year, 47.000 students took part and 313 schools were involved. I will be speaking about another project of ours: “The brain on the curriculum” which involves 49 schools and +1,000 special needs pupils aged 6 – 17.

Using the methodology of mini-games and alternative chess variants, “The brain on the curriculum” explores how scholastic chess might enhance learning capabilities, self.-efficacy and awareness of mental health with special needs pupils aged 6 – 17. The project runs 2021 – 2024 all over Denmark. The pupils challenges vary between social problems, cognitive challenges and various psychiatric diagnoses. I will be presenting samples of the material that has been developed and outline the theory and practise of how the project works. I’ll also present key insights from the half-way evaluation which was recently concluded.

Anastasia Sorokina (Australia), FIDE Social Project Leader I WOM Chairperson I Chairperson of ACF Social Commission

Women International Master (2001), International Arbiter (2002), FIDE Trainer (2005), International Organizer (2018). Born on 26 January 1980 in Minsk, Belarus. In 2003 moved to Australia and worked as a chess coach in the Queensland School of Chess, and then in Chess Kids in Melbourne, later opened her own chess academy. She is representing the Australian Chess Federation. Now living in Warsaw with husband and 12 yo daughter. Has Bachelor degree in sport and Masters in Strategic Communication and Governance, From 2021 running important social projects in FIDE, main one is Infinite Chess- Chess for kids with autism spectrum disorder, Anastasia Sorokina was awarded as FIDE outstanding chess arbiter 2022 . In arbiter career been Deputy Arbiter at several Olympiads, Chief and deputy arbiter at a number of FIDE Grand Prix events, as well as numerous other major FIDE tournaments. She has been a Chief arbiter in such prestigious events like London Chess Classic, Norway Chess and Cairns cup.

FIDE’s INFINITE CHESS Project aims to increase knowledge and awareness of chess for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), give practical advice to teachers and parents, study the benefits of introducing them to chess and develop various teaching methods.