Question 1

Which course should I enrol my child on?

Accepted Answer

Essentially the idea is that young players start at the bottom and move their way up. However the idea is definitely NOT to have someone waste their time completing a course full of information that they are very familiar with, just so that they can obtain a certificate at the end.

Question 2

What if, they are not absolute beginners and know the rules of the game?

Accepted Answer

If your son or daughter already know the rules and can play, then they might be ready for level 2. All newbies who have signed up for level 1 or 2 (of which the cost is the same) are assessed in the first morning and if appropriate transferred to the higher/lower group.

Question 3

Where can I find the syllabus?

Accepted Answer

The syllabi are available to download for free on http://www.instituteofchess.co.uk/revisionguides.html where (in deciding which level to register for on their first occasion) your child can always check to see whether they already know the material to be covered.

Question 4

Can I attend level 3,4,5 if I haven't passed the lower level exam?

Accepted Answer

We generally ask that before a student  sits an exam for levels 3,4 or 5, they have passed the exam of the level below. This does not prevent them from attending lessons in that higher level but we try to find opportunities for them to catch up on any previously missed exams throughout the cycle.

Question 5

What happens if my child missed CD4 (level 3,4 &5) /CD2 (level 1 and 2)?

Accepted Answer

If you missed CD4 (level 3,4 &5) /CD2 (level 1 and 2)and couldn't appear for the exam,  we try to find opportunities for them to catch up on any previously missed exams during the next season.

Question 6

How many coaching days are there in a season?

Accepted Answer

There are four coaching days throughout the season and based on the Institute of Chess syllabuses. Level1 and 2 are two day and levels 3, 4 and 5 are four day courses.
Players will be allocated a group (based on previous experience) and generally keep the same teacher throughout a course.

Question 7

When is an exam taken?

Accepted Answer

An exam is taken at the end of each course. If passed, then the young player is, strictly speaking, eligible to advance to the next level next time around. However, we highly recommend good understanding of one level / some practical experience before the next level is tackled.

Question 8

Is parking available onsite?

Accepted Answer

There is limited onsite parking and parking on the surrounding roads.

Question 9

Are there catering facilities?

Accepted Answer

There are no catering facilities, so please bring your own packed lunch & drinks. There may be a convenience store within walking distance but it is highly recommended that you bring your own packed lunch and drinks.

Question 10

Exams : are they necessary ?

Accepted Answer

The important thing is the material is absorbed in order to make your son or daughter a better chess player. Help is given for anyone that requires it during the exams (it is not a punctuation test). Note: If your child is anxious, of course they don't have to do the exam .

Question 11

Which section shall I sign my child up for?

Accepted Answer

Absolute beginners definitely level 1, and with a little bit of experience select Level  2. Then on their first day, our teachers will allocate them accordingly. If new to the sessions, and child is very comfortable with all the material in Level 2 then select Level 3.

Question 12

What are the start and finish times for the coaching days and can we leave our child ?

Accepted Answer

Arrival is from10.30 am, with the first session at 11 am and the day finishing at 4 pm. There are 4 sessions of an hour each with their teacher with short breaks in between. There is a large waiting area for the parents who are responsible for their children outside of the training sessions.

Kent Junior Chess Association - Coaching Days for Academic year 2025-26

More events from Kent Junior Chess Association

Discover more events from Kent Junior Chess Association, from Family & Education to other experiences you might love.

Kent Junior Chess Association - Coaching Days for Academic year 2025-26

More events from Kent Junior Chess Association

Discover more events from Kent Junior Chess Association, from Family & Education to other experiences you might love.

More Family & Education events

Browse more Family & Education events with different dates, prices, and formats to find your next great experience.