Our Year 12 computer science and further maths learners recently engaged in a cross-curricular masterclass, shedding light on the intricate world of matrices. This session, aimed at intertwining theoretical knowledge with practical uses, highlighted the importance of matrices in fields such as engineering, physics, economics, statistics, and notably, machine learning. 
  
Leading this engaging session was Zack, a machine learning engineer from Google and a familiar face to our college community. Zack's involvement brought a real-world dimension to the abstract concept of matrices. He captivated the learners with examples from his own career, particularly his work on machine learning projects where matrices play a foundational role, especially in generating images through AI. 
  
Zack demonstrated how essential understanding and manipulating matrices are, by guiding the class through practical applications of matrix operations — adding, subtracting, and multiplying. This hands-on approach not only reinforced their mathematical skills but also illustrated the value of matrices in cutting-edge technology and innovation. 
  
The highlight of the masterclass was a challenge set by Zack, where learners applied their matrix manipulation skills to edit images. This exercise not only solidified their understanding but also sparked a realisation of the potential matrices hold in the realm of digital imaging and beyond. 

"After this masterclass, I have learnt that I can apply matrices to future projects I am working on to make them even better, it is great to see how matrices can be taken out of the classroom and be relevant!" Further maths learner Izzy shared. 

We are immensely grateful to Zack for sharing his expertise and enthusiasm, making abstract mathematical concepts accessible and exciting.