This term, Year 7 students had the opportunity to participate in the House Chess Tournament, played over 6 weeks, with House points awarded, and prizes and a trophy for the winner. The tournament had an exciting finale, with four students, Nishhika, Siyona, Pranika and Cerys competing on the top two boards, using chess clocks to fairly allocate the available time. Both games could have gone either way, but finally Nishhika won her game, scoring the maximum 6/6.

The older students have also been playing a lot of chess, with very good participation in online tournaments: 

ShePlaysToWin is for girls' schools only, with a tournament once every term. After four events in this academic year, the Kendrick Team have an accumulated total of 153 points, ahead of other competing schools, with 104 and 101 points respectively. Our top players in this tournament are Nivi (Year 10), Nidhi and Chelsea (Year 9). The organiser has announced Kendrick as the secondary school winner, and there will be a trophy in due course. 

The tougher online event happens fortnightly, and is for schools across the UK, and includes many prestigious private schools. The Kendrick team is usually about halfway amongst about 30 schools, with some excellent individual performances. On different occasions, Nivi and Chelsea both achieved an individual score higher than any individual from Reading School, a team who are usually placed much higher overall. Kendrick’s ‘strength in depth’ is improving, as some of the younger players are now able to play these fast games with more accuracy.  

Mrs Conlon, over many years, has inspired chess players of all ages at Kendrick School. The club has introduced chess to many students and has provided a place for more experienced players to enjoy playing and develop their skills in the game. Mrs Conlon has led the club with passion and commitment but is now retiring. She leaves behind a popular, fun and vibrant Chess Club which continues with Ms Campbell and Mr Simmonds in charge.