PC4G

What is PC4G?

A programming contest intended for Year 9 and Year 10 girls in NZ.

Students prepare by teaching themselves Python, typically completing the free Level 1 Python course on Grok Learning. Key concepts include input(), print(), datatypes, conditions, for loops, while loops, and lists. Students compete in pairs.

Before the contest, participants receive information on installing an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and are provided with contest-style practice problems with answers to help them prepare.

When, where?

PC4G 2025 will be held on Tuesday the 18th of November. Each site welcomes local schools to send teams to the event. The day usually involves a practice session, lunch, then the contest. The following sites are confirmed to host...

Auckland - University of Auckland
Christchurch - University of Canterbury
Dunedin - University of Otago
Hamilton - University of Waikato
Invercargill - James Hargest College
Tauranga - University of Waikato
Welington - Victoria University of Wellington

Want to compete? Willing to host a site? Have questions? Reach out to pc4g@nzoi.org.nz.

Why do we do this?

The Programming Contest 4 Girls started in 2019. It was developed to try and change the gender balance at the Olympiad in Informatics (NZOI) summer camps, and hopefully also the team to represent New Zealand at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). We want to find those amazing problem solvers and get them enthusiastic about programming!

However, even if the students don't win a place at summer camp, they will already have learned lots, had a fantastic day and hopefully consider Computer Science as a part of their future.