BACKGROUND: The South African Computer Olympiad is one of the oldest and largest competitions of its kind in the world.
1. The aims of this Olympiad are to:
2 WHO MAY PARTICIPATE? The SA Computer Olympiad is open to all full-time learners in South African schools. It is aimed at high school learners, but primary school learners may participate. Post-matrics may not enter. Learners enter through their schools and entry is free.
3 TALENT SEARCH: The Talent Search is an aptitude test to indicate who should consider a career in ICT and who not. This round does not need the use of computers nor any specific computer skills. Many schools use this round to guide grade 9 learners with subject choices and grade 12 learners with career choices. The paper consists of a number of problem-solving tasks and pen and paper programming tasks such as writing a program to guide a robot through a maze.
The Talent Search takes place at schools throughout South Africa on the same date. An easy to mark schedule is provided and papers are marked at the school.
Each school is provided with certificates for the top learner in each grade and for the Number 1, 2 and 3 in the school.
Although schools that take part in the Talent Search are invited to take part in the Applications and Programming Olympiads, there is no obligation to do so.
4. COMPUTER APPLICATIONS OLYMPIAD: The Applications Olympiad is for CAT learners, ICDL candidates and the computer literate from all grades. Learners need access to a computer with an office package installed and a printer.
Each school is provided with certificates for the best in each grade and the top three in the school.
5. COMPUTER PROGRAMMING OLYMPIAD: The Programming Olympiad is for IT learners and others who can program. Each participant needs access to a computer with a programming language installed. For this First Round any programming language will do.
Each school is provided with certificates for the best in each grade and the top three in the school.