COMPUTER APPLICATIONS OLYMPIAD

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. In 2016 there were 10,983 entries from 290 schools.

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.

South African Computer Olympiad Trust.

The Applications Olympiad challenges learners to use what they have learned in ways they may never have been taught.

Learners who know a common “Office” package (spreadsheets, word processors, databases).

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.

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.

Gold, silver and bronze certificates for half of the learners nationally in the First Round. Provincial certificates for the top three places above a certain level in the Second Round. Certificates and monetary awards for Final Round winners and their schools.

Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded at a national ceremony to the top six finalists.

One week in May, a day for Round 2 in June and a full day for the Final Round in the winter school holiday.

All nine provinces of South Africa.