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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?
 
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.
Round 2: Any computer language widely recognized as such - including Java
Round 3: C, C++, Java, Pascal and Python.
IOI: Subject to IOI regulations: Likely to be C, C++ and Pascal.
3.
 Who may participate in the second round?

Anyone who 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, 2nd and 3rd place in the Junior Division
1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the Senior Division


5.
 Do you supply the computers for the second round?

No.
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 first round papers in to be marked?

No.
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?

First Round: Only for 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Second and Third Round: See 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.
If you want any information concerning the Computer Olympiad, please contact us.
 
 
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