Chess is the aerobics of the mind and has been shown to improve academic performance. A youngster actively playing chess develops critical thinking; logic, reasoning and problem solving abilities; memory, concentration and visualisation skills; confidence; patience; determination; poise; self-expression and good sportsmanship. And perhaps more importantly, children who play chess improve their self-esteem. Chess is played during the winter terms and includes internal challenges as well as weekly inter-school matches.