3-6 April 2023
Over the Easter holiday our first senior camp will explore how data is managed, with pupils learning about the use of tables in both mathematics and programming. We will look at how different tables of data connect to form data relationships that can solve problems and, in programming, create computer images. Pupils will study how scientists, programmers and mathematicians use tables every day to become masters of data matrices.
As ever, participants will be divided into small classes of six or fewer, based on their age and experience in maths and programming.
In Maths, for all year groups, we will be running two separate maths classes each day to study:
- Data and Tables - Mastering the Matrix
- Problem Solving - participants will tackle different levels of UKMT challenges from the Primary Maths Challenge and International Kangaroo up to more senior levels looking at Combinatorics, Number Theory and Senior UKMT challenges
Here’s what we are planning to do in Maths in each year group during the week:
Year 3-4
Latin Squares, Magic Squares, a Knight’s Tour and puzzles about numbers in a grid. In problem solving, pupils will tackle questions from the UKMT Primary maths Challenge and International Kangaroo.
Year 5-6
The ‘Quest of Tables’: figuring out, analysing and creating patterns organised in a table. When playing a board game, working out a winning strategy. In problem solving, tables, games and logic in UKMT challenges.
Year 7-9
The ‘Quest of Tables’: creating a clever table to organise the data in a complex problem. Becoming a master of Magic Squares, working out the rule of sequences and tables of numbers. In problem solving we’ll be looking at sequences, tables, graphs and games in UKMT challenge questions.
Year 10-11
The ‘Quest of Tables’: creating a clever table to organise the data in a complex problem. Figuring out the rule of sequences and tables of numbers. How many faces does a five dimensional cube have? Using a matrix to describe transformations. In problem solving pupils will study sequences, tables in UKMT challenges, simultaneous systems of equations, co-ordinating geometry, transformations and matrices.
In Programming, we will focus on matrixes as an advanced data structure. Pupils will work with arrays and create a set of interactive applications. Pupils will use arrays to store the location of the graphical elements, geometrical properties and animation parameters. To work with arrays at a more advanced level, older pupils will use nested loops and apply searching algorithms. Finally, pupils will develop several applications where the end-user can interact with a dynamic application and generate colourful graphical output.
Use of arrays and a clear understanding of this data structure are fundamental to programming. In practical terms, arrays or matrices are used in each real application from web-development through to game development. This may explain why a question about arrays and their usage is one of the most popular questions to come up in job interviews in every IT company!
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 £440 for four days. Bookings of fewer days are not possible for this camp
- Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.