Computing Contests
STA regularly supports computing contests by proctoring external contests, or hosting qualifying contests for students who wish to represent the school at a contest. Computing contests come in a variety of formats requiring different skill sets and experience.
University of Waterloo Contests
Each year STA offers students the opportunity to participate in the computing contests offered by Waterloo University. These contests are voluntary and a fee applies. Contests are designed by Waterloo Univerisity.
Beaver Computing Challenge (BCC)
The Beaver Computing Challenge (BCC) introduces computer science to students in grades 9 and 10. It's designed to get students with little or no previous coding experience excited about computing. The contest runs in November each year. More details can be found at the Waterloo site and you can also view sample problems.
Canadian Computing Competition (CCC)
The CCC is a contest for students to program competitively as an individual. Students may choose the language they wish to use in the competition. See the Waterloo site for contest dates.
The Canadian Computing Competition (CCC) is a fun challenge for secondary school students with an interest in programming. It is an opportunity for students to test their ability in designing, understanding and implementing algorithms. Students are recommended to prepare for the contest. If you have never participated in the CCC it is strongly recommended that you try a practice contest. All students must have registered with the online Waterloo Grader before the contest start date.
PREPARING FOR THE CCC
The Online Grader
During the contest, all students will submit code to the Waterloo Online Grader. If you are unfamiliar with the grader, it can really slow you down just getting used to how it works. Your account with the grader is tied to your school. Your account needs to be authorized by STA as well. That means if you try and register for the grader right before the contest, you will not be able to use it until your account is authorized. Of course, registering for the grader allows you to take previous contests. If you have a grader account and you need help recovering your username, you may request it in the STA Tech Studies Team. When registering for the contest, you will need STA's school number which is available at the STA Tech Studies Team.
Previous Contests
Previous contests are available on the Waterloo site along with sample input and output files. The best way to try solving these past contest questions would be to use the grader instead. That way you will get confirmed grading, as well as practice using the grader.
Practice
Consider organizing a practice session with a friend, or looking for someone to practice within the STA Tech Studies Team in the Computer Science channel.
Registration
Registration is limited to current STA students. Registration with STA can be done at http://goSTA.ca/CCC
You will need the school code to complete your registration with the grader. Information can be found within the STA Tech Studies Team in the Computer Science channel.