This December our camp participants will discover the world of illusions, where things might not be as they seem. They will learn about the science and mathematics of illusions - how they can be created and understood. This is an exciting camp with all new material - even if your child has joined us for many previous camps this will be yet another new learning experience from LondonSMP.
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.
In this camp, children will have the opportunity to study the exciting topic and science of illusions, both natural and manmade, alongside Maths, Programming and Chess. Young scientists and mathematicians will learn about:
perspective drawing
complex shapes such as the Penrose Triangle and the Impossible Cube
developing the mathematical and logical skills required for designing geometric optical illusions by hand
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.
Programming will be taught during this camp because it helps children develop algorithmical thinking as they study how to code. 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.
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
- four days from Monday to Thursday from either 9am to 12pm or 1pm to 4pm
fees are £340 for all four days. It is not possible to join for a shorter period
Places are limited, please register your interest HERE.