Course Structure
Bowen Chess Club offers a systematic chess training curriculum, with classes organized by age and skill level to ensure optimal learning progression for every student.
Course Levels
Beginners Class (Ages 5-7)
Learning Objectives: Introduce children to chess in a fun, engaging way while teaching basic rules and simple tactics.
Curriculum:
- Introduction to the chessboard and pieces
- How each piece moves and captures
- Special moves: castling, en passant, pawn promotion
- Understanding check, checkmate, and stalemate
- Basic tactics: double attacks, pins, trapped pieces
- Simple endgames: king vs. queen, king vs. two rooks
Schedule: Once weekly, 1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Fees: £180 per term (12 weeks)
Foundation Class (Ages 8-10)
Learning Objectives: Master fundamental chess tactics and develop the ability to play complete, coherent games.
Curriculum:
- Opening principles: control the center, develop pieces quickly, king safety
- Middle game tactics: forks, pins, skewers, trapped pieces, deflection
- Basic checkmates: back rank mate, king-side attacks
- Pawn structure: isolated pawns, doubled pawns, passed pawns
- Simple endgames: king and pawn endings, rook and pawn endings
- Game analysis and review
Schedule: Once weekly, 2 hours
Fees: £220 per term (12 weeks)
Intermediate Class (Ages 11-13)
Learning Objectives: Systematic study of opening theory, enhanced middle game tactics and endgame technique, preparation for ECF-rated tournaments.
Curriculum:
- Common opening systems: Italian Game, Spanish Opening, Sicilian Defense
- Complex tactical combinations: sacrifices, clearances, removing defenders
- Position evaluation: material, space, king safety, pawn structure
- Planning and strategy
- Complex endgames: knight and pawn, bishop and pawn endings
- Tournament preparation and mental resilience
- ECF-rated tournament practice
Schedule: Once weekly, 2.5 hours
Fees: £260 per term (12 weeks)
Advanced Class (Ages 14-16)
Learning Objectives: Deep study of opening theory, master advanced tactics and strategy, compete in high-level tournaments.
Curriculum:
- Opening preparation: variation study, novelty research
- Advanced tactics: complex combinations, deep calculation
- Strategic concepts: weak squares, open files, space advantage
- Complex endgames: rook and knight endings, queen endings
- Classic game appreciation
- Building personal opening repertoires
- High-level competitive play
Schedule: 1-2 times weekly, 3 hours per session
Fees: £300 per term (once weekly, 12 weeks); £550 per term (twice weekly)
One-to-One Private Coaching
For students with specific needs or those seeking rapid improvement, we offer personalized private coaching.
- Duration: 60 minutes or 90 minutes
- Fees: £40 per hour (60 mins); £55 per 90 minutes
- Content: Customized to the student's level and goals
Online Courses
For students unable to attend in person, we offer online classes via Zoom platform.
- Schedule: Same as in-person classes
- Fees: 10% discount on equivalent in-person course
- Platform: Zoom + Lichess / Chess.com
Special Offers
- Sibling discount: 10% off when siblings enroll together
- Continuous enrollment discount: 5% off when registering for two consecutive terms
- Referral bonus: £20 credit for both parties when you refer a new student
- First trial lesson FREE
Assessment and Progression
We conduct regular assessments to track each student's progress and ensure they're placed in the appropriate class level. Students advance to the next level based on their skills and readiness, not just age.
ECF Rating System
Students participating in our program can earn official ECF (English Chess Federation) ratings through rated tournament play. This provides:
- International recognition of chess ability
- Motivation through measurable progress
- Qualification for regional and national competitions
- A permanent record of chess achievement
Trial Lessons
We offer FREE trial lessons for all new students. This gives children a chance to experience our teaching style and see if chess is right for them, with no obligation to continue.
To book a trial lesson, contact us at chess@boweneducation.org or call 07123 456789.