In Maths we will focus on problem solving which means doing non-routine, challenging mathematical tasks that require essential concepts and methods to be understood and applied in a variety of contexts.
Practicing problem solving develops a pupils’ ability to explore, reason and communicate their findings, along with mastering technical skills as a useful by-product of the process. The percentage of marks allocated to problem solving in Maths A level continues to rise, while the STEP, TMUA and MAT exams used by Oxford, Cambridge and other leading universities to assess new entrants all use problems solving style questions.
By year groups, participants will study:
Years 3-6
Children will solve problems from Primary and Junior Maths Challenges and from the Kangaroo Competitions involving arithmetic, geometry and combinatorics. They will explore various approaches for solving challenging problems.
Years 7-8
Participants will explore problems from the Junior Maths Challenges and from the Kangaroo Competitions mainly about perimeter and area of different shapes, about the clock and tables involving geometry, combinatorics and algebra.
Pupils will have to write down their ideas step by step to reveal the logical structure behind their solutions.
Years 9-10
Problems from the Junior Mathematical Olympiads and from the Intermediate Maths Challenges, Kangaroo and American Maths Challenge about sequences from introductory questions to advanced tasks will be offered to participants.
Pupils will learn how to handle periodic sequences, recursions, arithmetic sequences. They will have to use Algebra creatively to answer the questions. Pupils will meet several questions about Angles, where the clever application of Algebra is needed and tackle by questions about the fundamentals of combinatorics involving Sets.
Pupils will have to write down their ideas step by step to reveal the logical structure behind their solutions.
In Programming, depending on your child’s age and experience in coding they may study coding as follows:
- Coding Club (Scratch), Years 3 to 5 most children in this age group will already be familiar with Scratch, however instead of teaching them the programming environment we go further and, using games as a learning tool, aim to teach them the major programming constructions and how to compose effective algorithms.
- Algorithmical Drawing (Java based), Years 5 to 7 the beauty of the Object Oriented way of thinking in programming begins with our Java classes. Pupils start with the basics and move on to development patterns, animations and applications.
- Processing Programming (Java based), Years 6 to 10 pupils learn to program using a Java-based language, building dynamic, visual and interactive applications.
- Python Programming, Years 6 to 13 as well as being an ‘industrial strength’ programming language, popular in web development, data analysis and machine learning, Python is also an ideal teaching tool. Pupils learn algorithm construction, syntax, the theory and practice of coding as well as Python itself.
Format and fees for the senior online camp:
- class sizes are six pupils or fewer of similar age and ability
- each day runs for six hours with four one hour classes and strategic breaks from the screen between them
- class times are: 10.00-11.00, 11.30-12.30, 13.30-14.30, 15.00-16.00
- all classes are interactive, using Zoom, with pupils solving problems with the teacher and with each other
- pupils must have a PC or laptop (Windows or Mac OS) with a camera and mic and a stable internet connection.
- fees are £550 for five days. Bookings of fewer days are not possible for this camp
Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.