Computer Applications Olympiad
Overview
APPLICATIONS: To cater for the increasing number of learners who take Computer Applications Technology (CAT) or Computer Literacy at schools, the Computer Applications Olympiad was introduced in 2010.
Entry requirements
Learners must know how to use a common “Office” package (spreadsheets, word processors, databases) to solve given problems. While selected learners can be entered by their schools, it is more beneficial if entire classes are entered. Only by entering an entire CAT class will teachers be able to make full use of the Teachers Guide issued after the event.
Host
South African Computer Olympiad Trust.
Benefits
The Applications Olympiad challenges learners to use what they have learned in ways they may never have been taught.
Target
Learners who know a common “Office” package (spreadsheets, word processors, databases).
How it works
Schools select to take part online or offline (or both). Schools select English or Afrikaans (or both). In the case of online participation, the Computer Olympiad office will send the required number of logins for the number of learners entered. The Olympiad computers do the marking (no marking for the teacher) and the results are sent to schools. Pen-and–paper answer sheets are marked by the teacher (easy - just tick, tick, tick) and the results are sent to the Computer Olympiad office to add to the national results.
Cost
Entry is free. To encourage all schools to enter, there is no entry fee. The Trust works closely with partners and volunteers to provide the support, backing and energy to deliver this service.
Awards
One week in May, a day for Round 2 in June and a full day for the Final Round in the winter school holiday.
Competition timelines
One week in August, a day for Round 2 in September and the Finals over a weekend early in October The top four are sponsored to attend the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) the next year.
Geographical Footprint
All nine provinces of South Africa.