Computer Olympiad / Rekenaarolimpiade
Talent Search: How it works
Who is the Talent Search for?
The Talent Search is a challenge made available at different levels for learners from grade 4 to grade 12.
Algorithms: The challenge comprises problems that relate to amongst others abstraction, decomposition, optimisation, manipulation of data, sorting, searching, identifying patterns and many other algorithms used in subjects not just like Mathematics, Science, IT and CAT, but also the Humanities and Sport to solve everyday problems.
The Comprehension contained in the Talent Search adds meaning to what is read and brings context to the overall problem that needs to be solved. This makes the problem fun and informative. We are faced with problems on a daily basis but understanding the problem is the key to solving them in everyday life. The Talent Search makes problem-solving practical.
Career choices: The Talent Search serves as a valuable tool to spark curiosity and inspire career choices from an early age. Teachers can even use it to help grade 9's learners with their grade 10 subject choices.
Important Rules
- Time:
- Schools with a small number of learners taking part should select one day within the given contest period for ALL interested learners to participate between 06:00 and 18:00.
- Schools taking part offline should also select one day within the given contest period. Results are due at midnight on 3 March. Late results will not be accepted.
- If the number of learners are more than the number of available computers (if online), or if the whole school is being registered, more than one day may be used to part take in the Talent Search, but please inform the Olympiad via email.
- Window period: As far as possible, learners who take part on the same day should take part within a period of two hours. Please inform the Olympiad to make an alternative arrangement.
- One chance: Each learner may only participate once in either the Online or Offline version.
- Teacher Practice: We advise that teachers try doing the contest themselves at least a day before to guide learners more effectively when they participate. Read what Teacher’s should do to prepare before and on the day of the Talent Search below.
- Watch the video below with your class before attempting the Talent Search.
- Certificates will be printed for the top 50% participants of each division.
- Help: No outside help is allowed during the competition
- Loadshedding and Time Limits: Make sure no load-shedding is planned for the time of the contest. Unfortunately, no extra time will be granted due to low bandwith or load-shedding. The competition is exactly forty-five minutes (45 minutes) long.
General Notes to teachers
- Please take precautions to prevent learners from sharing e.g. destroy notes, take back question papers, or diagrams made during the contest.
What to expect after registering?
The Talent Search has five divisions namely Elementary (grade 5's & below), Junior (grade 8-9), Intermediate (grade 8-9), Senior (grade 10-11) and Elite (grade 12 and above). Each division has a different level of difficulty. Learners should select their actual grade when they participate to receive the most appropriate challenge.
On 13 February 2025, offline registered teachers will receive the documentation requested on their entry form. Teachers taking part online will access the documentation online on the ChallengeBeaver server. The expected documentation is listed below.:
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Online documentation |
Offline documentation |
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1. Instructions for the Teachers 2. Information for Participants 3. TS Elementary Participant Instructions 4. Logins
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1. Instructions for the Teachers 2. Information for Participants 3. TS Question paper English 4. Memorandum 5. Results Spreadsheet |
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No marking required |
Marking is required |
What to do on the day of the competition
Online participation
Login details: Print the spreadsheet with the URL, usernames and passwords. Cut it into strips and give each online participant ONE strip. [The questions appear on screen for participants.]
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- Information for Participants. Print the 2-page sheet for each learner or let them watch the video.
Offline participation
Print the required material provided by the Olympiad.
Watch video: For teachers and participants for the Olympiad
(What to do on the day of the competition)
AVOID MISTAKES
- Remind participants to read and follow instructions carefully. No credit is given for answers that are not 100% correct.
- Please ask participants to enter their names correctly and in ‘Proper Case’ (e.g. Sam King not sam king). Incorrect entries cannot be corrected later, on certificates.
- Remind learners that the first name, last name and grade they enter will appear on the certificates. Remind learners not to misspell their name or accidently enter an incorrect grade.