GNS Students Excel in University of Waterloo’s Beaver Computing Challenge

December 13, 2024

Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Jon Hamlin, Director of TIE Jon Hamlin, Director of TIE photo

Ten GNS students recently participated in the University of Waterloo’s Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) Beaver Computing Challenge (BCC), an annual competition to introduce students to the exciting world of computational thinking and computer science. Open to Middle and Senior School students, the challenge consists of problem-solving tasks that require logical reasoning, algorithmic thinking, and creativity. The BCC emphasizes accessible, engaging problems, making it an excellent introduction to the fundamentals of computational thinking.

This year, several GNS students achieved remarkable results, scoring in the top 25% and even the top 10% of participants from across Canada—an outstanding accomplishment on the national stage! Grade 10 student, Adrian Syreyshchikov achieved a perfect score on the upper-level BCC exam, a first for any GNS student!

Participating in the BCC benefits students in numerous ways. It helps them build critical problem-solving skills, boosts their confidence in tackling complex challenges, and provides a window into the growing field of computer science. The challenge also serves as a gateway to more advanced opportunities, such as the University of Waterloo’s Canadian Computing Competition (CCC), which GNS is proud to run for our Senior School students on February 19, 2025. The CCC is designed for high school students with a passion for programming and algorithmic thinking, offering both beginner and advanced exams to accommodate a range of experience levels. Students who enjoy coding, solving challenging puzzles, or exploring the practical applications of computer science are encouraged to take part in this next step. Registration will open in mid-January and will be communicated to students through our school announcements.

The success of GNS students in the BCC highlights the incredible opportunities the school provides to foster talent and ignite interest in technology and innovation-related fields. By encouraging participation in such competitions, GNS empowers students to explore their potential, connect with like-minded peers, and gain exposure to real-world problem-solving scenarios. Initiatives like these play a key role in our commitment to developing innovative thinkers and preparing students for future success in technology and beyond.