Building on the momentum of the Bebras Challenge, this event pushed our pupils’ problem-solving, logical thinking, and programming skills to new heights. The Olympiad, now in its third year, is known for its demanding three-hour paper, filled with complex programming questions rooted in advanced mathematical concepts. It is a true test of skill and resilience, appealing to pupils with a passion for both disciplines.
Far from being daunted, our pupils embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. As they emerged from the exam room, their excitement was palpable. While the questions were undeniably tough, they were also immensely enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.
Key Takeaways for Future Participants
- Preparation is Key. Before signing up, pupils should familiarise themselves with the competition’s background and syllabus.
- Practice Makes Perfect. Tackling past paper questions is invaluable for understanding the level of difficulty and building confidence.
- Don’t Fear the Challenge. Pupils should give it a go even if they’ve not been able to finish a past paper.
This year’s results were a testament to our pupils’ hard work and dedication. I couldn’t be prouder to teach such ambitious and talented programmers and mathematicians. Their achievements included a remarkable gold medal (and finalist award), alongside four silver and two bronze awards – an outstanding result.
- Sasha Gershtein – Year 12, Gold Award, and finalist, with a score well above the lower boundary, who will join the other 10 highest performers for the final round in March 2025
- Thomas Stapely – Year 13, Silver
- Quintus Hui – Year 13, Silver
- Harry Shan – Year 12, Silver
- Viktor Chistyakov – Year 12, Silver
- Timothey Lomizov, Year 12, Bronze
- Jake Barton – Year 12, Bronze
A big thank you to the organisers of the British Algorithmic Olympiad. Their commitment to producing engaging, thought-provoking questions and continually enhancing the competition’s experience – from the style of problems to the user-friendly teacher portal. We look forward to next year’s event and the continued growth of our pupils’ programming and mathematical skills.