Easter Maths and Programming
Draycott Avenue, Kensington and Chelsea, SW3 3AP
This camp is focused on Maths and Programming and provides children with an opportunity to strengthen their existing mathematical knowledge and to explore concepts beyond the curriculum while tackling olympiad style maths problems. Specifically, we will explore the mathematics relating to the measurement and construction of shapes and curves - studying geometry, loci, distances and more, learning concepts derived from ancient Greece all the way through to, for older children, Vieta's formulae. In Programming, whether a child is a novice or a veteran of many coding camps, we have the range of class levels needed to suit their abilities, where their existing knowledge of coding will be reinforced and their skills will be taken to the next level by our enthusiastic and inspiring teachers - who happen to also be professional programmers!
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.
In Maths, we will explore mathematics relating to the measurement and construction of shapes and curves - studying geometry, loci, distances and more, learning concepts derived from ancient Greece and studying beyond today’s school curriculum.
Here are more details of what will be studied by each Year group:
Years 3-5
Children will learn how to draw circles, ellipses, regular polygons and other shapes with geometrical tools creating patterns and investigating the interesting and essential mathematics behind these patterns.
In problem solving, pupils will work on past problems from the UK and international mathematics competitions for their age.
Years 7-9
Famous loci: including a set of points in equal distance from two points, or from two lines, or from a line and from a point; sets of points in a given total distance from two points. Can you find the points of a parabola or of an ellipse using just a ruler and compass? The amazing properties of the tangents of these curves. How and why is a parabola useful?
In problem solving - can you find the centre of a circle using just a ruler and compass? Can you find a circle that goes through three given points? And the circles that are tangential to three given lines?
Years 10-11
Famous loci: including a set of points in equal distance from a line and a point; set of points in a given total distance from two points. How did the Greeks derive famous curves? Conic sections. Tangents and equations of the circle, the parabola and the ellipse. Why is the parabola so useful? Look into a teacup. What is the curve you can see? Understanding the secrets of famous shapes.
In problem solving we’ll look at ‘shortest path’ problems. Vieta formulae in action - how not to solve an equation? Master the methodology behind walking shorter distances and in calculating less. Vieta's formulae relate to the coefficients of a polynomial, to sums and the products of its roots. Named after François Viète, the formulae are used specifically in algebra.
Format and fees for the senior face to face camp:
- pupil to teacher ratio of 6 to 1
- participants are taught in small groups, tailored by similarity of age and ability, in individual classrooms
- camp times: 10am to 3pm
- or from 9am for an extra hour of olympiad style maths and/or from 3pm to 4pm with our chess class. There is a supplement of £25 for each additional session booked
- fees are £490 for four days. It is not possible to join for a shorter period
Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.