Gainesville High School - Hurricane Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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UAINESYILLE HIGH SVHOOL, 1915 ENGLISH When we begin to consider the luenents of the study oi' the English language to the English speaking people we enter upon an almost unlimit- ed field for thought. English in any department of school is not only bene- ficial but very necessary, and in the high school course of study we have the ve1'y foundation for the proper usage of our language. In respect to the material, disciplinary and cultural value it performs a service that no other subject can. Materially, high school English teaches us how to speak and write correctly, and no matter what our path in life may he, it is the most nec- essary study for us. We may never need mathematics or any of our other studies, but English we certainly shall need. In our grammar school days we are taught the parts of speech, their uses and how to construct sen- tences, but in the high school we learn to use sentences easily and proper- ly. The better we know how to express our thoughts, the more likely we are to obtain what we desire and the only way to express our thoughts is in words either spoken or written. In speaking it is very necessary to understand how to express our- selves. The greater part of our feelings. desires and opinions are express- ed in Words. and it behooves us to speak as well as possible. The weight of a persons character is frequently determined by the kind of language he uses in an ordina1'y conversation. Many have been the troubles caused bv a speech which was so worded that it gave an entirely ditterent impres- sion from that which it was intended to convey. To say what you mean and say it in the clearest and most concise manner possible is one of the best rules that could be given for the use of any language, and in order to follow this rule it is necessary to know how to use our words and arrange them properly in sentences and paragraphs. In every letter we write we express our knowledge of composition and rhetoric. Every one likes to receive an interesting and well composed letter, whether personal or business. If we wish to write business letters. our knowledge of composition and rhetoric may help us wonderfully. Sometimes the way in which our letters are expressed will mean many dollars lost or gained for us, while many times we lose friends by writing them letters containing perfectly innocent thoughts badly expressed. Therefore we should always know how to express ourselves in writing. High school English is of great disciplinary value. The course in English serves for a double preparation in life, as it is an aid in, and a preparation for, social and personal life, that is, for manhood, womanhood and citizenship. It aids in the choice of and advance toward a vocation. 30

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The VVhy of Things We Study as Viewed by Ourselves

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GAINESYILLE HIGH SUHOOL. 1915 Literature, as a branch in the English course is studied for its cul- tural value. It develops those personal attitudes toward the great values in human life that will help one to appreciate the values in life as it is lived all about one. and to discriminate more carefully in the selection of those values which he wishes to realize in his own life. In studying poetry, we have the poet's attitude toward life, which inclines us toward higher ideals. The study of fiction gives us a clearer insight into the great human motives that have dominated men and have an influence over us in our upward way in the process of civilization, and also inculcates a desire for the better things of life. In order to keep us in touch with this day and generation it teaches us to be appreciative. By the study of literature there is engendered a general interest in literature itself and a tlesire to inculcate a habit of reading. In studying literature one becomes acquainted with the great masterpieces and learns the proper standards of good literature and by this means may choose the books one reads. In short, no matter what may be our position in life, high school English cannot fail to be of the utmost material, disciplinary and cultural value to us if we learn well what it teaches and use our knowledge in everything we write, think or say. BERTHA ROSENBERGER. MATHEMATICS In the course of mathematics pursued here, the Gainesville High School has held true to the line of work established by years of usage. Elementary algebra is taken up in the freshman year, and plane geometry in the sophomore. These two years of work are required of all who gradu- ate. Advanced algebra in the junior, and trigonometry and solid geometry in the senior year are optional. All expecting to enter college are informed that four years' work in mathematics are required preparatory to college. and advised to take the full course, but this High School is not a prepara- tory school distinctly and alone, and could not justly be one, since a great number of the students do not enter college and require a different course from those who do. Mathematics of all studies easily excels. It is the exact science. A student enffa0'ed in solving a mathematical problem always knows what ofa: zz- C end he is Working for and when that goal is attained. From the very nature of the subject, mathematics of all studies is best designed to de- velop clearness and accuracy of thinking and expression. These two 31