Mr Hurford and the Gilberd School 'Pet'

There are some wonderful old press clippings about the Gilberd School in the Evening Gazette archive.  These two pieces were published in 1980 and 1981 respectively and they both feature maths teacher Colin Hurford. The above photo shows Mr Hurford posing happily alongside tuck shop supplies with the school's very first computer, a Commodore PET.

I remember the Commodore PET well as I often attended Computer Club in the Lower School. You could spend your entire lunchtime typing in a programme that would make a small shape bounce around the screen before the bell for afternoon lessons sounded!

The photo is part of a really good piece about the future use of computers in schools. If you click on the press clipping you can view a larger version which is easier to read.

The second article (below) was published on the 23rd June 1981 and the headline suggests it is about an experimental lunchtime maths club at Highwoods. In truth though the article is mostly a plug for the new school but it features an interesting and detailed interview with Mr Rowe.