Students Participate in University of Waterloo’s Canadian Computing Competition

For the first time since 2016, GNS students participated in the University of Waterloo’s Canadian Computing Competition (CCC) on Wednesday, February 21.

The CCC is a prestigious programming competition designed to inspire middle & high school students in Canada as the next generation of computing professionals by testing their problem-solving skills, programming abilities, and understanding of computer science principles to engage with computer science concepts in a competitive environment. This annual event is hosted by the University of Waterloo’s Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC).

By participating in the CCC, GNS students have the opportunity to develop and hone a wide range of skills that are essential for both academic and professional success in the field of computer science. Some of the key skills that students can garner by completing the challenge include:

• Problem-Solving Skills: The CCC presents a variety of complex problems that require participants to think critically and creatively to find solutions. This nurtures students’ ability to tackle unfamiliar challenges with logical reasoning and innovative thinking.
• Programming Proficiency: As participants are required to code their solutions, the competition serves as an excellent platform for students to practice and improve their programming skills in languages such as Python, Java, and C++.
• Algorithmic Thinking: The competition encourages students to understand and apply various algorithms to solve problems efficiently. This includes sorting, searching, dynamic programming, and graph theory, among others.
• Time Management: With a limited time to solve multiple problems, students learn to manage their time effectively, prioritizing tasks and developing strategies to maximize their output within the given timeframe.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Although the CCC can be an individual effort, the process of preparing for the competition often involves collaboration with peers, mentors, and educators. This fosters teamwork skills and the ability to share knowledge and strategies.
• Resilience and Persistence: Facing challenging problems under time constraints teaches students resilience and the importance of persistence, as they learn from mistakes and strive to improve their approach with each attempt.

The Canadian Computing Challenge offers a comprehensive platform for GNS students to immerse themselves in the world of computing, building a strong foundation of skills that are valuable for further studies in computer science and related disciplines, as well as for future career opportunities in the technology sector. Opportunities like this, in addition to new programs like GNS Launch Pad, are increasing tech and innovation pathways for all students at our school.

In addition to the Beaver Computing Challenge we currently offer every Fall, the Canadian Computing Competition is an exciting new annual event for aspiring programmers and computer scientists that we look forward to running again in February 2025.