Abstract:

For some years now, in South Africa, a major thrust has been underway to improve educational performance at all levels.
This thrust has been met with some noticeable improvements. However, the technical subjects of mathematics, science and other technological subjects still remain a major impediment to general progress, for a large sector of the population.
A logical problem solving framework has to be imparted to many learners to give them the foundation on which to build mathematics and science ability.
One way in which this is being addressed is to introduce chess into primary and senior schools. An experimental chess program has been introduced at the level of Grade One. This program is delivering good results. It has been introduced together with a train-the-trainer program.
A second school program has been introduced for learners in the 10 to 16 year age bracket. A target of this program is to provide the learners with inter-school league competition opportunities, the idea being that they view the playing of chess as a fun competitive exercise, rather than as an exercise for the mathematics class.

Keywords:

Educational performance, problem solving, mathematics, science, chess, competition.