At Collège Champittet, chess is celebrated as a powerful tool for cognitive and personal growth. The game, which demands logic, concentration, and creativity, offers timeless lessons that resonate deeply with modern students. One pupil, Grigory, eloquently captures the essence of the chess experience, noting that it provides endless room for improvement, fostering competition not just with an opponent but with oneself. He highlights the emotional journey of the game, where learning to handle both victory and defeat is a crucial part of the process. Recognizing these profound benefits, the school actively cultivates a culture of chess. It is offered as a dedicated afterschool activity for students in Grades 3 through 8, creating a supportive environment where young learners, from novices to experienced players, can engage with and master the game. This structured support ensures that the strategic and resilient mindset chess develops is accessible to all interested students.
The chess program at Collège Champittet extends beyond skill development to foster community spirit and compassion through charitable initiatives. In one notable event, a boarding student organized an interschool tournament that brought together players from six other prestigious institutions. Hosted on campus, the tournament served a dual purpose: nurturing a community of chess enthusiasts and supporting children in need by donating all registration proceeds to the Champittet Foundation. This spirit of giving continued at a subsequent charity tournament held at EHL Hospitality Business School, where student volunteers assisted in raising funds for charitable associations. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to test their skills on a global stage through Nord Anglia Education's Global Campus online chess tournaments. Competing in Under-11 and Under-18 categories from November to March, participants receive expert feedback from a FIDE Chess Master, combining high-level competition with professional development. These experiences collectively reinforce values of resilience, focus, and strategic decision-making under pressure—skills imperative for success in a rapidly evolving world.
