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 to help them prepare.

When, where?

The competition date for 2025 is yet to be decided. Last year it was held on the 13th of November.

Previous sites have included Auckland University, the Tauranga campus of Waikato University, Victoria University, Canterbury University, and Otago University. A school may host a site.

Each site invites a few teams from each participating local school to the event. They have a practice session, lunch, then the contest.

Interested? 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.