Take part (OUCC)
The next OUCC Challenge will take place in March 2025.
When the OUCC challenge is live, and your teacher is available to supervise the event, you will be given a username and password that will allow you to take part.
Aim of the OUCC
Score points by creating programmed solutions for as many tasks as possible within 50 minutes. Tasks are age-appropriate but are intentionally designed to challenge students. Don't worry if you can't finish; it's uncommon for students to solve all tasks. If you encounter difficulties, move on to the next task.
Scoring
Tasks are categorized into three levels of difficulty: A, B, and C. Category A tasks are the easiest, while category C tasks pose the greatest challenge. The difficulty level of a task determines how it will be scored.
The scoring rubric is as follows
Difficulty | Correct | Incorrect or unanswered | Approximate time needed |
---|---|---|---|
A | +4 points | 0 points | 2 minutes |
B | +6 points | 0 points | 5 minutes |
C | +8 points | 0 points | 15 minutes |
Tasks
Each Challenge consists of three sections:
Section 1
- Consists of 5 tasks (2 in the final) designed to evaluate understanding of a single skill per task in learning area one, presented in a straightforward manner.
- Each task is worth 4 points
Section 2
- Comprises 5 tasks that assess understanding of multiple skills per task in learning area one.
- Additionally, these tasks may require the application of computational thinking skills outlined in learning area two.
- Each task is worth 6 points
Section 3
- Includes 2 longer tasks (5 in the final) designed to evaluate programming skills and computational thinking skills outlined in learning area two.
- Each task is worth 8 points
Rules
- During the competition, students must remain on the Challenge website (bebras.uk), except as specified below.
- Senior and Elite students are permitted to use any Integrated Development Environment (IDE) typically used in school. Alternatively, they can write their programs directly into the code area on the site.
- Students are allowed to access documentation built into the IDE. However, they are prohibited from using an IDE that generates code or provides AI assistance. If uncertain, students can seek guidance by contacting us.
- Students may access the official documentation website for the language they are using (e.g., https://docs.python.org/3.10/reference/index.html). However, they must refrain from navigating to any other websites.
- Students can use a simple text editor for search and replace procedures if necessary to re-format any supplied data for their specific programming language (e.g., replacing double quotes with single quotes).
- Students are permitted to bring a maximum of 20 pages of A4 printed materials, such as a syntax guide or their own notes, into the test. An acceptable example of a syntax guide can be found here: Coding Club Code Cards.
- In case of ties, the following criteria will be applied in order:
- Top score
- Least tasks with a score of zero or not attempted
- Most level "C" problems solved
- Most level "B" problems solved
- Shortest time taken.