In this brand new camp children will have the opportunity to explore numbers of an unusual kind - fractions! Children will also be constructing an ‘artistic robot’ and studying Programming and Chess.
This camp has a strong focus on Maths which will be enjoyable, entertaining and filled with ‘Aha’ moments.
Pupils joining the camp will:
learn about fractions in the context of dividing into equal parts making use of unit fractions
play games, do puzzles, and solve problems about equal and unequal shares working with non-unit fractions
discover the way they are written and the fact that the same quantity can be expressed as different fractions make these types of numbers both interesting and difficult to deal with
We will use multiple ways of representing fractions and offer various hands-on tasks to help children develop a thorough understanding of fractions and proportionality which will prepare them for the more advanced topics they will come across later on in their studies.
Our teaching methodology in maths encourages every child to discuss their thinking about a problem with their peers. The exchange of ideas in our friendly discussions is both enjoyable and productive, helping children to develop their reasoning skills. This will also support each child’s understanding of the importance of maths and its practical uses.
Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.
In Science, children will build for themselves an ‘Artistic Robot’. Children will learn safety in electronics and the fundamentals of an electronic circuit before making a gyrating ‘robot’ with pens attached capable of designing gyroscopic type designs. This will be a fun way of learning about electricity and electric motors and children can take their project home with them to demonstrate what they have created and learned.
Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.
Our approach to teaching Maths and Problem Solving
In both our classes and camps children play games and tackle puzzles that are designed to build their powers of problem solving and logic, both being essential to early intellectual development.
We use these games to great effect with this age group to stimulate each child's interest in 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.
Coding and why we teach it
Coding has become one of the most important skills of the 21st century. As well as being a profession, understanding how to program strengthens logical thinking and problem-solving skills – vital in many different areas of life, from engineering and science to medicine and law.
In each of our camps we choose a different coding project for children to work on and study through so the learning experience is always fresh even if a child has attended several of our camps.
During this camp children will be learning how to code using 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’.
Children also will see and learn more about the connection between programming and maths. Our campers will learn how algorithms are built and they will create basic computer games and animations. Each child will be in a class suitable to their age and experience.
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.
This is a five day camp that runs from 9am to 12pm or 1pm to 4pm - but not both. Each three hour day is divided into classes on the topics above with comfort breaks and opportunities to stop for drinks and a snack.
Learning groups are very small with a pupil to teacher ratio of 6 to 1. They 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, ages 4.5 to 8):
- 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 £450 for all five days. It is not possible to join for a shorter period
Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.