MATHS CLUB - from Phoenix 1966 [published July 1966]

The Maths Club has more monitors than ever now, as there is an increasing number of people who wish to learn how to use the calculators. Owing to this popular demand, the Maths Club is now open twice a week for Juniors, on Monday and Tuesday at 12.30. Senior days are Tuesday to Friday inclusive, at 1 o’clock every dinner hour. The Monroe electric calculator, which was on loan, has now been donated by Mr. Bowles. David Carpenter, a monitor, was very lucky when he won a competition set by ADDO, a desk calculating company.

His prize was a Japanese Soraban or Abacus. This is a frame containing beads used for counting. A skilled operator can add faster on a Soraban than on a desk calculator. After mastering it David Carpenter donated it to the club, and anyone who comes in may use it if they wish. An added advantage of the club is that it gives an opportunity for asking about classwork, since a member of staff is always on duty.

C. WAGSTAFF, 2.C.