Shepparton High School Year 12 VCAL students are checking what their mates in the community need and have built a giant chess board for Tarcoola residents at Shepparton Villages.

The giant chess board took about three hours to complete and was funded by a $1,580 grant from Greater Shepparton City Council.

Year 12 student Kelsey Magill 17, said the planning took a week and their VCAL teacher helped them to develop the idea.

"It was really good doing something for the community and giving something back to them," she said.

Kelsey said there were about 15 students who worked on the project and they each had their own role.

She said groups of about six worked at the Shepparton Villages site while the rest of the students stayed back in class and undertook planning tasks.

"We decided a chessboard would be good for the residents," Kelsey said.

"We all liked the idea because the boys always like doing hands-on work and there were a few other people who wanted to give back to the community."

Shepparton Villages Chief Executive Officer, Kerri Rivett said the students approached Shepparton Villages about two months ago with their ideas for the project.

"It's a fantastic project for the students and the residents of Shepparton Villages," she said.

"It really demonstrates what students are giving back to the community, and our residents will love the outdoor chess board that these students have actually built."

Ms Rivett said the residents were excited about the games of outdoor chess they would now be able to play on the new board.

"The more we can get young people involved with the community the more it will break down the barriers between young and old," She said.

The Shepparton High School students will officially hand over the chess board and the giant chess pieces to go with it, on Thursday.

By Sionnie Kelly

As published in the Shepparton News, Monday, August 11, 2014