Numbers and number theory are a fascinating branch of mathematics - vital to the curriculum and exciting when we go beyond the curriculum to explore the broader world of mathematics - applied and theoretical. In this stimulating and enjoyable maths and programming camp we’ll bring maths alive and learn 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 11-14 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 the world of Numbers - odd, prime, negative, rational, square, infinite decimals, phoenix, all the way to Combinatorics. By year groups, participants will study:
Years 3-6
How many types of numbers are there? Odd numbers, prime numbers, negative numbers, rational numbers, square numbers– this is just a tiny part of a very long list. We will explore different contexts in which these and other types of numbers arise and solve problems related to basic number theory. In problem solving, pupils will be offered challenging problems from the UK and international maths contests suitable for their age.
Years 7-9
How did scribes of ancient Egypt calculate for thousands of years? How remote tribes in Java used their bodies for counting? How did Babylonians change our view on numbers? What is an infinite decimal? We travel to the past to understand the present better and start a journey to the future learning how to organise symmetries, create the times table of a symmetry-group, work in a finite number field and understand the language of modern secret codes. In problem solving, we will look at questions from history and from UKMT challenges about fractions and modular arithmetic as well as Combinatorial problems where symmetry is involved.
Years 10-11
What is an infinite decimal? When is it recurring? What is a phoenix number? Come and travel to infinity and beyond to understand the finite better. We will show pupils how to organise symmetries, create the times table of a symmetry-group, work in a finite number field and understand the language of modern secret codes. In Problem Solving we will tackle hard puzzles about numbers and their digits, Combinatorial problems where symmetry is involved and modular arithmetic in action.
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 £500 for five days. Bookings of fewer days are not possible for this camp
Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.