Junior School pupils excel in Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge 2022

In November, all students in Years 2, 4 and 6 took part in the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge 2022, the results for which have just been announced.

This is an online competition, run by Oxford University, which involves solving complex problems against the clock using computational thinking skills such as algorithm design, pattern recognition, logic and abstraction. 

St Mary's juniors competed in their respective age categories against schools from all over the UK (over 367,00 students in total) and the competition also ran in over 50 other countries.

This is the third year that St Mary’s Junior School has taken part in the competition, and we are absolutely delighted with the results that our girls have achieved compared to other schools across the country as a whole:

In addition to results at a whole school level, certificates for individual achievements compared to national performance data were awarded, with the ‘Merit’ and ‘Distinction’ categories for exceptional performances being achieved by more than 90% of girls in Year 6, over 1/2 of the girls in Year 4, and all of the girls in Year 2.

Many congratulations to Theodora A. and Juliette L. (86.6%), Antonia L. (71.7%) and Gayatri K. (72.0%) for achieving the highest scores in their age groups and being awarded ‘Best In School’ certificates.  In addition, Theodora and Juliette achieved the joint second highest score in their age group in the whole of the UK!

We are also delighted to announce that four of our Year 6 girls, Gayatri K., Lorna C-M., Mengyao S., and Rosa H, achieved scores in the top 10% nationally and have been invited to participate in the online Oxford University Computing Challenge 2023 in January next year.  Five girls now in Year 7 and Year 8 have also been invited to participate as a result of their exceptional performances in last year’s OUCC competition.

The girls worked extremely hard during the challenge and demonstrated not just their computational thinking skills, but also enthusiasm, determination and perseverance. They should all be extremely proud of what they have achieved.

Learn more about STEM at St Mary's Junior School