Online: 5-day camp, 5-9 April 2021
This Easter holiday our first senior camps will explore the exciting subject of Prime Numbers in both programming and mathematics. We will look at why this topic is so important, how Prime Numbers work and where they appear in the world around us.
As ever, participants will be divided into small classes of six or fewer, based on their age and experience in maths and programming.
Here’s what children joining this camp will be learning:
In Maths, depending on a pupil’s age and experience, they may be studying odd numbers, triangular numbers, factors and multiples through to perfect numbers, primes and visual geometric proofs. In mathematical problem solving, again depending on age and experience, 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.
In all year groups we will be running two separate maths classes each day to study:
- The World of Prime Numbers and their Patterns
- Problem Solving
Working on both Primes and Problem Solving will provide a stretching and exciting educational experience and these two fields of study will be linked during the week to strengthen pupils’ understanding of both subjects.
Here’s what we’re aiming to do in each age group:
Year 3-4
To understand primes, younger pupils will work on multiples and factors in word problems, games, puzzles, number patterns and sequences. In problem solving pupils will tackle questions from the UKMT Primary maths Challenge and International Kangaroo.
Year 5-6
In the world of primes, pupils will study odd numbers, triangular numbers, factors and multiples, and primes. Pupils will also explore games and see where primes and geometry meet. In problem solving, pupils will build an understanding of combinatorics and number theory and will work on UKMT challenges.
Year 7-9
In the quest for primes, pupils will look at: what is the largest prime? What is the fundamental theorem of arithmetic? What are perfect numbers? We’ll also be looking at a game where numbers fly us to multidimensional spaces. In problem solving we’ll be looking at combinatorics and number theory and UKMT challenge questions.
Year 10-11
In the pursuit of prime numbers and their patterns, pupils will look at beautiful theorems about primes and visual geometric proofs. We’ll also answer questions such as, how can we uncover primes? How do banks use primes for secret messages? What is the RSA code? In problem solving pupils will tackle combinatorics and number theory in UKMT challenges and in British Mathematical Olympiads.
In Programming, Prime Numbers give us an opportunity to create exciting interactive graphic visualisations. One of the open problems with prime numbers is to discover whether there is an infinite number of pairs of primes differing from each other by two.
During our programming classes, we will begin with a basic visualisation of the sequence of prime numbers. We will then use prime numbers as a base for generative shape detection. This will allow pupils to explore the patterns of prime numbers visually and will reveal to pupils repetitions of pairs of prime numbers. Younger pupils will learn coding in scratch and, depending on their age and experience in coding, older pupils will also learn about Ulam's famous spiral algorithm and build The City of Primes using Blender 3D, free and open-source 3D computer graphics software toolset used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications, virtual reality, and computer games.
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
- fees are £300 for three days, £400 for four or £500 for five
- if you are booking a camp for fewer than five days you will have to start on Monday
- to take part you must have a PC or laptop (Windows or Mac OS) with a camera and mic and a stable internet connection
Format and fees for the senior face to face camp:
- pupil to teacher ratio of 6:1 for maths, 5:1 for programming and 4:1 for robotics
- classes are small groups of pupils of similar age and ability
- camp times: 10am to 3pm
- fees are £490 for four days. It is not possible to join for a shorter period
- your child can also join us from 9am for an extra hour of olympiad style maths or additional coding, or continue from 3pm to 4pm with our chess class. There is a supplement of £25 for each additional session booked
Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.