New VCE Subject – Algorithmics 3&4

MGC will be offering students who have completed or enrolled in Maths Methods 1&2 the opportunity to choose Algorithmics 3&4 as a VCE subject in 2017. As a new subject it is probably best suited to Year 10 students looking to a 3&4 in Year 11.

Algorithmics is the study of rules, systems and processes that solve complex problems either quickly or exactly. Examples of this are Google Page rank, how Facebook determines what items appear in your newsfeed, automated online loan applications, or even whether or not you are a citizen of a country in the absence of birthplace data. Given the rise of the Internet of Things, algorithms that can sort through your metadata will become increasingly important for government agencies and business.

To put it more simply, any form of recipe, how-to guide or set of instructions are algorithms for a specific set of circumstances. Consider a simple version of the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter:

If brave → then Gryffindor

If smart → then Ravenclaw

If hard-working → then Hufflepuff

If ambitious → then Slytherin

If more than one of the above → then look at closest relative’s house

If still in doubt → then user’s choice

IBM actually made a real life sorting hat, so maybe check out your search engine of choice if you want to see how much more detail they included in their algorithm.

This subject is not designed to turn students into coders, but into computational thinkers who can understand how to take a complex problem in real-life and apply the best problem-solving method (algorithm) to it. This is an invaluable skill to anyone no matter what field of work they are in.

For further information refer to the MGC Senior School Handbook 2017, the VCAA website (http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/) or the University of Melbourne School of Engineering (http://www.cis.unimelb.edu.au/schools/algorithmics.html). Or you can email Zack Pretlove at MGC for specific questions.

Elisa Pedron- WHO AM I?

My name is Elisa Pedron. My role at Melbourne Girls' College is social worker/student counsellor. I work alongside with Liz Gunn and I am based in the Wellbeing Centre. My work hours are Monday to Friday from 9am-3.30pm. I commenced the role at the College on the 6/6/2016. I am the replacement for Helene Fox.

The most interesting and rewarding aspect of working in a school setting in a welfare role is getting to know the students, providing strategies, offering emotional support and when positive changes occur.

I was a family worker in the youth team at Family Life prior to this role, for 3 years 2013-2016. I worked three years at Hume Central secondary college 2011-2013 as the school Youth Worker. I have been working in the welfare/wellbeing field for almost 10 years.

My main goal for working at Melbourne Girls' College is to make positive changes and make a difference to the lives of the students. I enjoy working in a holistic and collaborative manner, and believe effective communication and listening assists with a student's wellbeing and academic performance. Positive and healthy relationships in the lives of young people is imperative and can have a significant impact and effect on their life and future.

I would like to facilitate wellbeing related programs in the school. This term I endeavor to facilitate a Leadership program to selected year 7 students and possibly other programs next year.

I completed secondary school at a girls College in Melbourne and can relate to some of the positive and negative experiences the students at Melbourne Girls' College encounter. After year 12, I studied at RMIT University and then at Victoria University. I have a wellbeing degree and secondary teaching qualification.

I can support the students at the College in the following areas:

• School related issues/concerns

• Family related issues/concerns

• Friendship related issues/concerns

• Personal related issues/concerns

• Feeling anxious/depressed/angry/stress/suicidal

• Health related concerns/concerns

I can be contacted via the College phone number: 9428-8955 or email address 08697178@mgc.vic.edu.au. In the meantime if students would like to organise an appointment they can send me an email or drop in at the Wellbeing Centre.

Tickets now on sale!