In this academic but enjoyable maths and programming camp we’ll be bringing maths alive and learning programming in fun and exciting ways which lie at the heart of everything we do at LondonSMP. This camp is for children interested in maths and programming who want to cement their existing knowledge, discover real life applications for it and learn much more, all online in small groups with like minded pupils. Please note, the content of this camp is different from the Senior Online camp of 4-8 April and several children will be joining us for both camps.
Our online camp format provides four one hour lessons each day, two in Programming and two in Maths. In Maths we provide one hour of curriculum maths and one hour of problem solving maths (beyond the curriculum) each one being relative to the age, experience and knowledge of the camp participant.
Class times are: 10.00-11.00, 11.30-12.30, 13.30-14.30, 15.00-16.00.
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.
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 £400 for four days. Bookings of fewer days are not possible for this camp
Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.