Algebra, Coding and Chess

Junior Camp for Reception to Year 3  

4-8 April 2022: Face to Face at Marlborough Primary School, 

Draycott Avenue, Kensington and Chelsea, SW3 3AP

 

This half term our camp participants will learn how to solve logical, arithmetical and algebraic problems. Children will be introduced to coding with various levels of class depending on each pupil’s age and experience. Participants will also study and enjoy the tactical and strategic world of chess. This is an exciting camp with all new material - even if your child has joined us for many previous camps this will be yet another new learning experience for them. 

Our aim is to introduce children to solving problems, mathematically and beyond, using logic and creative thinking so they can begin to see what lies behind the ‘magic’ of Maths and Coding. Children will discover the practical uses of mathematics and coding in an exciting and inspiring way, explore and understand maths in and beyond the school curriculum and expand their powers of focus and strategy through chess. 

Algebra:

For the main topic of the week, young campers will be introduced to a large variety of problems and puzzles involving pre-algebra. 

We have chosen this content-rich topic in order to build children’s understanding of all arithmetical operations and to apply their knowledge in practical contexts. 

Our selection of tasks is compiled from simple to difficult so children start by solving problems easily, building the confidence and focus needed to explore ever more complex ideas and problems. 

Our teaching method in Maths and Problem Solving is for children to play games and tackle puzzles, both being essential to early intellectual development. We use these to great effect to stimulate each child's interest in logic and the real life practicalities of maths. The primary function of any game is to provide a natural learning process, help develop powers of analysis and encourage memorisation of new information. Games also help the development of logical processes and spatial reasoning, while working on numerical puzzles with their peers is an enjoyable way for younger children to grow into a fuller understanding of mathematics.

Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.  
 

Coding will be taught during this camp because it helps children develop algorithmical thinking. Working with Scratch, pupils will learn how animations and computer games are programmed, how they carry out ‘instructions’ and what happens when this goes wrong, leading to an understanding of how to ‘debug’.

In Chess, the primary goal for the youngest and newest players will be to learn the basic rules of chess and begin playing. More advanced players will be coached in strategy and tactics and how to improve their game. To develop a child’s interest in chess, we present it as an exciting game of protecting one’s kingdom and its inhabitants. Research shows that playing chess regularly helps children achieve better results in maths and sciences, enhances language skills and memory and, most importantly, improves decision making which is why many countries teach it as a part of the school curriculum.

Learning groups will be very small with a pupil to teacher ratio of 6:1. Groups are tailored for each child’s age and level of experience with the subject to provide appropriate levels of simplicity or complexity.

 

Format and fees for the junior face to face camp (Reception to Year 3):

  • small groups of similar age and experience. Pupil to teacher ratio is 6 to 1
  • five days from Monday to Friday from either 9am to 12pm or 1pm to 4pm 
  • fees are £420 for all five days. It is not possible to join for a shorter period

Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.