Sadun Soykir
Founder • Tutor
My journey began with biology. I completed my BSc in Biology at Keele University, followed by an MSc in Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Glasgow. Science has always fascinated me, especially the study of how life forms, changes, repairs, and develops.
However, my journey has been shaped not only by academic goals and achievements. While building a life abroad on my own, I faced academic difficulties, relationship challenges, and personal struggles. Some periods were genuinely difficult, but those experiences taught me how to rebuild myself and keep moving forward.
Over time, I began to place greater importance on personal growth. The Wisdom Within section of the Elements Chess Academy curriculum is not only about chess. Journaling became one of the ways I organised my thoughts, reflected on my experiences, and learned from difficult moments. Many of the lessons I try to share with children there have been shaped by years of mistakes, observations, journalling, reflection, and personal growth.
One idea guided me through many of those difficult times: “Whatever the position, make the right move.” This later became both my personal motto and the motto of Elements Chess Academy. In chess, as in life, you may sometimes feel that you are in a losing position. Hope may feel distant, and your options may seem limited. Yet there is almost always a best move, or at least a few good moves, still available. The way towards the light often passes through those small but correct moves.
Today, I work as a science and maths intervention tutor at Lymm High School and also as an independent tutor. My aim is not only to help students understand academic content, but also to support them in developing resilience, confidence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to learn from mistakes. In the long term, my goal is to become a research scientist and contribute to scientific research.
Elements Chess Academy was born from my love of science, philosophy, and chess. I have loved chess from a young age, and it has been a meaningful part of my life for many years. Together, these interests form the foundation of my approach to learning, teaching, and building Elements Chess Academy.
I chose the word “Elements” because I wanted the academy to reflect the building blocks of learning: clear ideas, structured thinking, strong foundations, and the different parts that come together to create deeper understanding. As someone who also loves chemistry, the word felt especially meaningful to me.
I designed Elements Chess Academy by asking myself one central question: “How would I have wanted to learn as a child?” From choosing the name and designing the logo to developing the brand identity, handling trademark and copyright processes, building the website, creating the educational system, creating an education portal and managing the necessary bureaucracy, the journey has been challenging. Yet it has also become one of the most meaningful and enjoyable projects of my life.