On the 21st of April I went into Maynooth University to compete in the Bebras computational thinking challenge finals. I was picked up early from school the day before it so I could pack as I was going down to a hotel near Maynooth on Friday evening. Before we left my dad sent some computational puzzles to my iPad so I could practise on the way down to Kildare or in the hotel.

On the day of the Bebras challenge we woke up at eight o’clock got breakfast and left for the challenge. When we arrived at Maynooth there was a long line for the sign in area but it ran smoothly and I got registered very quickly. The organizers gave me a sticker with my name on it. It was really warm and sunny and we stayed outside in the sun until they called us all into the Computer laboratory where we would take the challenge.

I was in the 10 – 12 age group and I found my name on a desk with a computer for me to work on. Our group was called ‘Benjamin’. I was little bit nervous. Mum and Dad went into another room where they were shown some of the questions we had to answer, but they also got the answers!

The Challenge started at 11.15. There were 15 questions and we had 45 minutes to complete them all. Some were easy, some were hard but I answered them l and enjoyed the experience.

After the challenge we were presented with Certificates because we were finalists and we went to the university canteen for lunch. I got my picture taken with the Director of the Bebras challenge. After lunch we got a tour of the University and then we left for home.

I was very glad to represent my school in the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge. The competition will start again this year in November 2018. I am hoping I will get through to the final in 2019.

Aaron Smith,

6th Class