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INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

What is the Bebras Challenge?

It is a competition aimed at raising awareness of Computer Science in a fun and rewarding way. The competition involves solving problems using computational thinking skills.

What does computational thinking involve?

Computational thinking involves using a set of problem-solving skills and techniques that software engineers use to write programs and apps. Examples of these techniques would include the ability to break down complex tasks into simpler components, algorithm design, pattern recognition, pattern generalisation and abstraction. You can learn more here: google.com/edu/computational-thinking/what-is-ct.html


What will it involve?

The contest is completed online in schools and supervised by teachers. It will only take 40mins and for the
Elite, Higher, Senior and Junior Competitors the aim is to complete as many challenges as possible in the time given:
  • 18 challenges available (6 A grade, 6 B grade, 6 C grade)
  • You start with 38 points. There is a maximum score is 200 available. 
  • Students are not expected to finish!
  • Any calculator permitted

Castors Competitors:
  • 12 multiple-choice questions (4 A grade, 4 B grade, 4 C grade)
  • You start with 44 points. Your maximum score is 152.
  • Any calculator permitted

Kits Competitors:
  • 9 multiple-choice questions (3 A grade, 3 B grade, 3 C grade)
  • You start with 38 points. Your maximum score is 119.
  • Any calculator permitted
To get an impression of what to expect, you can look at some sample questions.

How is the competition scored?

The problems are grouped into three categories (A, B and C) which are of increasing difficulty: 

A category questions:
+6 points for each correct answer
0 points for no answer
0 points for each incorrect answer

B category questions:
+9 points for each correct answer
0 points for no answer
-2 points for each incorrect answer

C category questions:
+12 points for each correct answer
0 points for no answer
-4 points for each incorrect answer

What form will the second round at Oxford University take?

If you get invited to the Celebration at Oxford University you are already a winner! In 2018 only 200 studentes from over 200,000 were invited!. To be included in this number means you have done outstandingly well in the main challenge. Please note that the finals are only being held in the Juniors, Intermediate, Seniors and Elite age categories.

In Oxford, there will be a similar set of new problems produced to challenge you further. The challenge will use the same system as the main competition but you will be provided with a fresh login on the day. Expect there to be more problems than before to solve and some real stinkers! There will also still be some relatively easy ones as it is still supposed to be fun! Your task will be to produce correct solutions to as many as possible of the problems presented in the time allowed, maximising your score.

​In addition there will be a program of events and an awards ceremony in Hertford College.

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What will I get out of taking part in the Bebras Challenge?

This is an international competition running in approximately 30 countries. It emphasises participation but also rewards achievement:
  • You will get a certificate with your score
  • Top achievers will obtain a certificate of distinction
  • There is a certificate for best in school in each age category
  • There will be the chance to win a place in the Hall of Fame for the top students in the four top age categories

In addition you may discover you have a talent you did not realise you possessed!

What are the age categories?

There are four competitions:
England and Wales:
 Elite: Years 12 & 13
 Seniors: Years 10 & 11
 Intermediates: Years 8 & 9
 Juniors: Years 6 & 7 
 Castors*: Years 4 & 5
 Kits*: Years 2 & 3
Scotland:
 Elite Years S5 & S6
 Seniors: Years S3 & S4
 Intermediates: S1 & S2
 Juniors: Years P6 & P7
 Castors*: Years P4 & P5
 Kits*: Years P2 & P3
Northern Ireland:
 Elite: Years 13 & 14
 Seniors: Years 11 & 12
 Intermediates: Years 9 & 10
 Juniors: Years 7 & 8
 Castors*: Years 5 & 6
 Kits*: Years 3 & 4
* Castors and Kits can enter individually or as small groups (up to 4)
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What does Bebras mean and why all the beavers?

Bebras is Lithuanian for beaver. It is a very common animal in Lithuania. The competition was named by the founders of the International Bebras Challenge after the hard-working, intelligent and lively beaver.
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How do I enter?

You cannot enter as an individual. You must persuade someone in your school to enter your school. Your Computing or ICT teacher is a good person to talk to first. Tell them you are keen to enter this competition and ask them to visit this website.

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sample questions
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