Forces of nature will be explored in this fun new camp. Children will learn that we usually see the effect of a force, rather than the force itself. And a force is a process that causes a change in something’s shape, speed or direction.
Pupils will discover that there are two types of forces: contact forces, like pushes and pulls, and forces acting at a distance, like gravity. Importantly, more than one force can act on an object, so it can be quite difficult to unravel which force is at work. However, the one fact we can be sure of is this: when an object is still, the forces acting on that object are balanced and equal.
Camp participants will conduct scientific experiments, explore simple electronic circuits and build their own model of an example in rotatory motion. At the end of the camp, each child will be able to take their own model home.
Children will also learn coding in Scratch through various levels of class depending on each child’s age and experience. The study of the tactical and strategic game of chess will be an important part of this camp as well.
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.
Even if your child has joined us for many previous camps this will be yet another new learning experience from LondonSMP.
Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.
In Maths and Problem Solving we will be playing games and tackling 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.
Learning groups will be very small with a pupil to teacher ratio of 6:1. Groups 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):
- 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.