Paul Macdonald - Head Coach and Coach Trainer

Paul is a co-founder and CEO of Kids Power. Paul's main role is to oversee the operations of the company and to ensure coaches have the tools, resources and support they need.

Why do you enjoy working with kids?

My passion and joy is definitely working with kids and helping them open their minds. Kids inspire me and fill me with energy! But what I love the most is seeing kids learn, see them start to see possibilities, see them engage in their creativity and witness them solving challenging problems that they weren't able to solve before.

Why do you love Maths?

I find Maths intriguing. Maths is all around us and is a universal language. Maths rewards logical thinkers and problem solvers. It is complex and simple at the same time. I love the purity of Maths and how you can always check if your solution to a problem is correct. 

What are your main achievements? 

I am the founder of both ChessPower and KidsPower. I have played Chess for over 20 years and beaten many New Zealand Champions. My proudest achievement was winning the New Zealand Championship Major Open in 2014. I started KidsPower because I have developed a variety of skills and knowledge that have helped me a great deal in my life that I want to pass on to children. 

How do you think Maths helps kids? 

Maths is an enabling platform for many disciplines such as finance, economics, engineering, computer science and many more. With a strong understanding of Maths a student can excel in all these other areas. Maths empowers students to achieve in cross-disciplines.

Here are some recent testimonials:

19 December 2018

9 May 2016

Krystal has improved a lot when compared to last year and we feel that you have had a major contribution to her success and achievements. You are an amazing coach!

Joshwin Lal
Parent

19 April 2016

Thank you Paul for creating so much interest in chess. Our son learns from you at Summerland Primary School. We can speak as parents and wanted to pass on our wish that you continue this course throughout the year at school. We find it amazing! Please do continue.

Shabbir Rajkotwala
Parent, Summerland Primary School

23 October 2012

Paul Macdonald is a chess instructor who takes a “down to earth practical” approach, and he delivers informative, practical and highly engaging chess lessons.
 
He has collaborated with the school to build a superb chess program. I have seen him inspire in children a love for chess and encourage critical thinking through rigorous instruction. Paul has a genuine interest in chess, this shows when he instructs children on tactical strategies. He has the ability and desire to teach chess in a way that supports literacy and math. He is able to give feedback to the children in their lesson time, so that each week the children improve and always look forward to Chess Power.
 
Paul has an advanced understanding of the game of chess as well as strong classroom management skills. I have seen him working with Year 1 students through to Year 6 and he is able to relate to children at their own level. This has been a wonderful programme here at St Joseph School.  It has been great for the children and has improved their passion and knowledge of chess. I certainly recommend Chess Power.
 
Christine Hormann
Class Teacher/ Chess Club Co-ordinator

10 May 2012

"My son had so much fun with the class! He's super excited. I have to say that you are an incredibly good teacher, and very good with children."

A De Roux, Auckland