Hutchesons' Launches Minibridge for Primary Pupils
According to John Di Mambro, a Biology teacher who is in charge of Bridge at Hutchesons', more than one million people play Bridge on-line and more than 1,000 newspapers have dedicated weekly Bridge columns and articles. That number is set to rise even further, now that Hutchesons' is offering the opportunity to play Minibridge to pupils in Primary 7.
For many years, Hutchesons' Grammar School has been the pre-eminent school in Scotland for Bridge. During the last 14 years it has been continuously taught in the Secondary School, the team has won the Scottish Schools' Teams Championship 11 times and the British Schools' Teams Championship once, the only non-English School ever to do so. Hutchesons' has produced many great names in Bridge, including one of the world's greatest players, Michael Rosenberg (C1972), who says that Bridge made a huge difference in his life. "I was able to support myself through bridge," he continues, "and have played professionally, or semi-professionally, for more than 30 years. Also, I met my wife through bridge. She, too, is a World Champion, and, I am very happy to say, my current bridge partner!" Michael is now a full-time professional.
There are many positive reasons to play Bridge, according to Mr Di Mambro. It promotes teamwork and social interaction, develops problem-solving skills and spatial awareness. The game also affords the opportunity to travel far and wide. Former pupils have travelled the globe playing bridge for Scotland, even while still at school, both at Junior (Under 25) level and with the Open team. Recent destinations have included New York, Prague, Italy, Hungary, Poland and, most recently, Beijing for the World Mind Games.
The launch of Minibridge to primary pupils will only improve Hutchesons' reputation for excellence. Professor Ross Harper (C1953), a class Bridge player, is largely responsible for making this possible. He has very generously made a fund available to pay for the coaching and materials as well as new trophies.
The October inauguration of Minibridge at Kingarth Street was supported by Rector Dr Ken Greig and Depute Rector Lorna McKie, in addition to Fiona Abbott, who is President of the Scottish Bridge Union, and Russell Frame, Education Officer for the West of Scotland District of the Scottish Bridge Union. Patricia McCash, who has loyally supported Bridge at Hutchesons' for many years, will be involved in helping the young players. Ronald Gaffin (C2002), now an experienced junior internationalist, was appointed the Bridge tutor to Hutchesons' several years ago and will also tutor the primary pupils.
Mr Di Mambro points out recent research by the American psychologist Dr Christopher Shaw, which shows that Bridge is a vehicle for introducing concepts such as probability, percentages, data analysis, reasoning and proof, assessing value and applying this assessment to problem solving, and practising inferential reasoning skills.
According to the American Contract Bridge League, pupils confront situations in each hand (game) which require them to assess the probability of certain outcomes and make decisions accordingly and reason from the communication skills learned in the bidding (auction), the value of their hand (a), plus the value of their partner's hand (b), must equal a specific total (c). Therefore, decisions are then made to achieve their goals. Minibridge is essentially Bridge without the bidding.
There is even research being done on the link between playing Bridge and the positive effect it has on the immune system.
So, take up Bridge - it might even improve your health!