Most schools in Europe follow the same compulsory subjects for years one to seven of secondary schools.
These include the country’s first language, which is usually the region’s mother tongue; a second language, which is usually English, French or German; and mathematics, history, geography, ethics/religion and physical education.
But one country that’s technically in Asia but often thought of as Europe has a rather unusual subject which became compulsory in 2011 for primary schools in children aged six and up.
Chess was introduced in second-grade schools in Armenia and gradually extended to third and fourth grade over the years.
It is not surprising that Armenia would make the game of chess a compulsory school subject. The country is considered a major player in the world of chess, being one of the strongest chess countries in the world.
Armenia has one of the highest numbers of chess grandmasters per capita, an impressive statistic considering the country has only around three million people.
Geographically, Armenia is located in western Asia; however, due to the region’s political and cultural links, it’s also considered a European country.
The other European country with chess as a compulsory school subject is Georgia, while India, in Asia, has also followed suit. Four of India’s 28 states have made chess a compulsory subject in some schools.
In Armenia, there are roughly 3,000 qualified chess teachers in its schools. The experts pass on their knowledge to the younger generation as it has been shown to improve problem-solving skills, memory, discipline, concentration, and self-reflection.
Armenia is the first country in the world to include chess in the national curriculum.
The president of the Armenian Chess Academy, Smbat Lputian, said: “Armenia has always enjoyed a strong link with chess.
There have been many changes in Armenia over the years, with education at the forefront.
“Since our independence from the USSR in 1991, we have made fantastic progress,” added Lputian.
The Armenian government has pushed education sectors by increasing the number of schools in the region, providing free education for both primary and secondary schools and promoting certain subjects, including mathematics, engineering, science, technology and chess.
Armenian authorities have stated that children playing chess is more about helping to build their characters than breeding champions.
Despite this, there is no denying the quality of chess players in Armenia. Chess champion Tigran Petrosia is still a national hero after winning the world championship in 1963, a title he successfully defended for three years.
Major funds have been poured into chess in Armenian schools to help create textbooks, train instructors, buy furniture for the chess classrooms, and buy equipment.
