COMPUTING SUCCESS AT KES
KES pupils across our Senior and Junior Schools relished the Bebras Challenge this year, with 91 pupils in the Senior School securing a gold certificate, meaning they achieved a score placing them in the top 10% of entries in the UK. Excitingly, Jack B, Elizabeth B, Jack D and Edith D went one step further, scoring the maximum possible number of points.
In the Junior School, two of our talented coders, Albert and Harry were also ranked in the top 10% nationally, with many further pupils receiving Distinction and Merit grades. This remarkable accomplishment highlights their exceptional problem-solving skills and passion for technology. A number of pupils have been invited to the next round of the competition, and we look forward to following their progress.
In the UK, the Bebras Challenge is open to young people aged 6 to 19. Each participant has 45 minutes to tackle a series of interactive tasks, designed to encourage logical thinking and problem-solving skills appropriate for their age group. The challenge is conducted online, and tasks are marked automatically. Organised by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, over 3 million students from more than 80 countries routinely participate in the initiative.
In further news from the Senior School Computer Science department, many congratulations go to the Year 10 team (‘Whipped Cream and Pi’), comprising Laura C, Alice G, Sophie H and Ela J, who came 4th out of 247 teams in round one of the Cyber Security Competition, organised by the University of South Wales, the University of the West of England and Cardiff University in association with the National Cyber Security Centre. Their performance ensures a place in the competition’s final next month (March 2025).
