1988 School Magazine

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Mathematics has gained considerably with the addition of an IBM compatible system. The future will see students learning more of the visual aspects of Mathematics using computer screens. Craphing and geometrical concepts such as perspective will be learnt in an interesting way with the drawing speed of computer graphics. It will be possible to include computer extension to all level of Mathematics now and the new Mathematics syllabus in the Junior schooi will be exploited fully to provide students with more extensive computer learning. Programming is still seen as a valuable logical experience, but at the level of Grade Twelve Mathematics ll, the issue of upgrading to a more structured language than BASIC is being addressed. For most students, the use of a good interactive version of BASIC is adequate for their general educational experience.

Exchange Student, Me[ Erereton.

MEE. BRERETON Hi! l'm Mel Brereton, the Rotary Exchange student f rom Zimbabwe, in Southern Africa. I live in Harare, which is the capital city with a population of approximately 1.2 million. Zimbabwe is much smaller than Australia; it can fit into Queensland seven times. Our countries are very similar with regards to clirnaie and the carefree, casual attitude of the people. I have travelled all around Australia which I know is more than the majority of Aussies have done ! You have goi a beautiful country which I hope you don't take for granted. Our educational system is completely different f rom tlre T.E. score system. ln year eleven (our form four), we write 0levels in as many as fourteen subjects but we only have to pass five subjects to continue on to M level. M level is a prerequisite for university but you are also eligible to continue on at school and complete A levels, which is almost the equivalent of f irst year university. Most people leave school after commencing their A Ievels, making them eighteen years of age. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Hancock, the members of staff, and all of the 8.C.C.5. students who have made my stay here such an enjoyable one. This year has been a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend to allthose interested in travel and tourism the exchange student programme. lt noi only opens up people's hearts but their minds as well. Mel Brereion

The function and application of word processors within the English department have greatly expanded with the introduction of the Aztecs. The Word Perf ect system has led even the most recalcitrant and cautious of users, including some members of the teaching staff, into the pragmatic pleasures of utilising a machine to assist in the creative writing process. Students are encouraged to utilise the word processor to facilitate the creation and production of a range of formal and informal writng tasks. High levels of student proficiency, coupled with the popularity of the new system, place a heavy demand upon the existing facilities, both in and out of class time, and it is envisaged that the older systems will be progressively upgraded. Of course, we can never keep up with the latest innovation in industry {or already there is a successor to Lotus 123 but as girls progress through the school and learn to adapt from one system to another, it can only be of advantage when they leave school. We needs must cut our cloth to suit our pockets and be thankf ul f or what we have and make the best use we can of our present facilities. The rewarding outcome of computer developments at this school is the positive approach that nearly all the students have to computers. Computer-phobia has been conquered. 90