The curriculum

Five levels. One path. Built for kids who want more than just a hobby.

Every student starts with a free assessment. We place them in the level where they'll be challenged but not lost — and they move up when their coach says they're ready, not when the term ends.

level 01New to Chess

The friendliest possible introduction. Storytelling, character names for the pieces, and short games that end before anyone gets bored. By the end of term: legal moves, basic checkmates, and a child who actually wants to come back.

level 02Beginner

Foundational gameplay — opening principles, simple tactics, basic endgame ideas. Lots of guided play with coach commentary so kids learn to think out loud about their moves.

level 03Intermediate I

Pattern recognition and tactical thinking. Forks, pins, skewers, double attacks, removing the defender. Students start solving puzzle sets between classes and reviewing their own games.

level 04Intermediate II

Strategic decision-making and positional play. Pawn structures, weak squares, piece activity, the difference between a good plan and a brilliant tactic. Coaches start scheduling 1-on-1 game reviews.

level 05Advanced

Tournament preparation and deep analysis. Opening repertoires, endgame study, time management on the clock, dealing with losses. Built for players chasing a rating.

What's included with every enrolment

It's not just the lesson hour.

A

Two free practice hours, weekly

Open practice sessions at every venue. Walk in, find a partner, play. Coaches drift between boards offering mid-game feedback.

B

Daily practice tournaments

Quick rated games every day so students get used to playing on a clock — without the pressure of a real tournament.

C

Game review & puzzles

Personalised puzzle sets each week. Coaches review your child's recent games and tag the patterns to work on.

Class formats

Group, private, online — pick what fits.

Group classes weekly

90-minute sessions, capped at 8 students per coach. Run weekly during school terms across all nine venues. The default — and what we recommend for most kids.

Find a class →
Private coaching 1-on-1

For students chasing a rating, prepping for a specific tournament, or just learning faster than a group can move. Booked directly with one of our senior coaches.

Enquire →
Online lessons anywhere

Live coaching sessions over video, with shared boards and game review tools. Perfect for families outside our metro footprint or for term breaks.

Book online →
Holiday camps school breaks

Week-long mornings of chess, friends, mini-tournaments and creative challenges. Mixed-level activities so siblings can come together.

See dates →
come and try a class — we'll bring the boards

Not sure which level fits?
That's literally what trial classes are for.

Tell us your child's age and what they already know. We'll suggest a venue, a time, and a level — first class is on us.