In this exciting new four day camp our participants will learn about the world of geometry, be introduced to coding through various levels of class depending on each child’s age and experience and study and play the tactical and strategic world of chess. Even if your child has joined us for many previous camps this will be yet another new learning experience from LondonSMP.
Our aim is to introduce children to solving problems, mathematically and beyond, using logic and creative thinking so they 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.
Geometry
For the main topic of the week, children will be introduced to geometry, with a wide variety of tasks involving this highly visual and logical subject.
To strengthen our pupils’ spatial thinking, we will offer them practical tasks with paper folding and cutting that will allow them to explore paper-construction and symmetry in various patterns.
Participants will also learn about different polygons and how to classify them according to given criteria.
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.
Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.
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 with this age group 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.
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.
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
- four days from Monday to Thursday from either 9am to 12pm or 1pm to 4pm
fees are £340 for all four days. It is not possible to join for a shorter period
Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.