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Frequently Asked Questions

 
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
May primary school students participate?
2.
What programming languages may we use?
3.
Who may participate in the second round?
4.
To whom do we give certificates?
5.
Do you supply the computers for the second round?
6.
Who may participate in the first round?
7.
Can we send papers in to be marked?
8.
Are there any extra certificates available?
9.
When, on the given date, must we write the first round paper?
10.
What is the duration of the paper?
11.
What happens if we do not receive the papers in time?
12.
Must we photocopy the papers ourselves?
13.
Do you have past question papers available?
14.
May we enter the second round if we have not participated in the first?
15.
Who sets the questions?
16.
Why can't we send in disks for the second round?
17.
May I bring a calculator into the exam room?
18.
May CAT learners take part?
 
Answers:
     
1.
May primary school students participate?

Yes, but the Computer Olympiad is designed for high school learners.

2.
What programming languages may we use?


Round 1: Any one of South Africa's official languages. No knowledge of computer programming languages required.
Round 2: Any computer language widely recognized as such - including Java and Delphi.
Round 3: C, C++, Java, Pascal and Python.
IOI: Subject to IOI regulations: Likely to be C or C++.

3.
Who may participate in the second round?

Anyone at a school that took part in the first round and who, in the opinion of the school, should take part in the second round.

4.
To whom do we give first round certificates?


1st in each Grade (Grades 8 through 12).
1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the school (irrespective of Grade).


5.
Can someone win two certificates?

Yes. At least one learner will receive both "First in Grade" and "First in School" certificates.

6.
Who may participate in the first round?

Any learner at any school. However, the Computer Olympiad question paper is designed for high school learners.

7.
Can we send papers to the Compupter Olympiad to be marked?


No for the First Round.

Yes for the Second Round.



8.
Are there any extra certificates available?

Yes, on request, but only for first, second and third place.

9.
When, on the given date, must we write the first round paper?

Any time that suits you.

10.
What is the duration of the first round paper?

One hour

11.
What happens if we do not receive the papers in time?

The paper will be faxed or e-mailed to you. The participants may write later.

12.
Must we photocopy the papers ourselves?

Yes.

13.
Do you have past question papers available?

Yes. See the Past Papers section.

14.
May we enter the second round if we have not participated in the first?

Only with special permission.

15.
Who sets the questions?

Most questions are set by the following:
• Past Olympiad participants, especially past winners
• Past members of the South African IOI team
• University of Cape Town Computer Science staff, students and graduates.
• Computer Olympiad office staff

16.
Why can't we send in disks for the second round?

• It is often difficult or impossible to view what is on a disk - and very time-consuming.
• Disputes arise when blank disk are received (no one has ever sent a blank paper!)
• Disks sent in by schools contain an alarming number of viruses.

17.
May I bring a calculator into the exam room?

Yes for a simple calculator. No if it is a programming device. A calculator will be of limited use, however, because most questions involve reasoning and minimal calculation.

18.
May CAT learners take part?


Yes. The First Round is an aptitude test that is open to all and does not require the use of a computer or knowledge of computer programming languages. There is no requirement for learners to proceed to the Second Round.

Note that the Second Round requires the use of a computer and knowledge of a computer programming language.

If you want any information concerning the Computer Olympiad, please contact us.

 
 
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