Free Python CD for Computer Olympiad Schools

Schools which enter the First Round of the Standard Bank/CSSA Computer Olympiad will receive a free CD with the computer language Python on it, with the compliments of The Shuttleworth Foundation.

Python is an Open Source language which is available free of charge. It is a serious developmental tool used by amongst others: Google, NASA and Industrial Light and Magic. It is the language that Mark Shuttleworth used to write the security software that eventually enabled him to sell his company for millions.

The First Round of the Computer Olympiad does not require the use of a computer or a computer language. It is in fact an aptitude test to see if learners have talent for computer programming. This round takes place at participating schools on 17 April.

The reason many schools want the Python CD is that learners need to use a computer language for the Second Round – any computer language – including Python. More information about Python can be found at www.python.org

Participation in the Standard Bank/CSSA Computer Olympiad is free. Not sure if you have entered? Duplicate entries are not a problem (we regard them as entries with back-up copies).

Please complete the entry form elsewhere on this site, or mail your school’s details to info@olympiad.org.za or fax to 021-447-8410 or phone 021-448-7864.

Python Prizes
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There are two ways of getting into the Final Round:

1. Be one of the top participants in the Second Round – irrespective of language used.
2. Be one of the top participants in the Second Round using Python. The top Python users will be invited to the Final Round, even if they do not qualify under 1 above.

Once a participant has been invited to take part in the Final Round, he/she can switch languages as they please. They will have 3 months to become familiar with the language of their choice. However, only those who use Python in the Final Round will qualify for the Python prizes.