In this condensed and stimulating three day camp our participants will study the logic of mathematics and programming. We’ll bring maths alive and learn programming in the fun and exciting ways that lie at the heart of everything we do at LondonSMP.
This camp is for children interested in maths and programming who want to build on their their existing knowledge, discover real life applications for it and learn much more, all online in small groups with like minded pupils.
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 the world of logic. By year groups, participants will study:
Years 3-6
Our younger pupils will study logic and will understand how it is the main reasoning tool for solving problems. Camp participants will start by looking at traditional number puzzles, where they will need to sift through various options at each step of the problem solving process. They will then move to questions about relationships between different sets.
Finally we will embark on the famous mathematical problems about truth-telling knights and lying knaves. Knights and Knaves is a type of logic puzzle where some characters can only answer questions truthfully, and others only falsely. The name was coined by Raymond Smullyan in his 1978 work, ‘What Is the Name of This Book?’ These topics will provide a rich introduction to the rules of logic.
Years 7-11
The study of science and scientific progress requires more than just experiments and measurements. Deduction based on clear logic leads to theorems and principles that describe our world better than we were able to before. Camp participants in these year groups will look at the network of statements connected to each other by the principles of logic and how they can create abstract spaces that have consequences in our everyday life.
Pupils will learn by working with Dienes logic sets, visit the island of ‘lying knaves and truthful knights’ and find hidden errors in arguments. Is it true? Learn how to prove or disprove a statement, formulate your own conjecture and justify it - in other words, come and learn how to spin the fabric of science.
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 £360 for three days. Bookings of fewer days are not possible for this camp
Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.