High-Ability Programs

Mackellar's high-ability programs this term include:

Victoria's High-ability Program VHAP - for students in grades 5 & 6 

Chess - currently for students from grades 4 to 6

Wakakkirri Dance Festival - for students from grades 3 to 6 

PLAY Leadership Program - for students in grades 5 & 6

Our high-ability chess club commenced this term.  Students play on tournament quality boards with chess pieces that are also used in tournaments.  International champion, Mr. Grant Szuveges facilitates the lunchtime classes, providing skill and tactics for our players from multiple year levels. 

Chess develops many skills related to problem-solving, and interestingly, chess develops perspective; the ability to see from someone else’s perspective as skilled chess players learn to anticipate an opponent’s next moves. To predict what their opponent will do next, players must develop the ability to adopt another person’s perspective and infer what action they are likely to take.  Behavioral scientists call this ability to see from another viewpoint the 'theory of mind.'  It’s an ability that is essential to exercising empathy and building healthy social relationships.  So whilst chess may appear to be a very quiet social experience, there's much more to the intense game than meets the eye!

Mr. Szuveg will run a Mackellar Primary School tournament, and we will keep you posted about that!  If any parents are chess players and would like to join a session, you are very welcome on Tuesdays at lunchtime in The Hive.  You might just pick up a couple of tips from our champion facilitator!

Here is our most current Clubs@Mackellar timetable: