Bebras Challenge Singapore 2025: Computational Thinking Sprint Plan
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)19 Sep 2025, 00:00 Z
TL;DR
Bebras trains computational thinking, not coding syntax. Use a structured six-week plan blending unplugged puzzles, Scratch/Python drills, and reflection journals to convert contest insights into NOI or DSA-ready portfolios.
1 Competition Essentials
- Organiser: Bebras Singapore (administered locally with IMDA support).
- Format: 45-minute online challenge, 18–24 multiple-choice/problem-solving tasks with immediate feedback.
- Divisions: Upper Primary, Lower Secondary (Kits), Upper Secondary (Juniors), JC (Seniors). Singapore typically aligns Sec 1–3 with the Junior division.
- Timing: Held in November each year; school registration opens around August. (Bebras SG)
- Scoring: Tasks grouped by difficulty; incorrect answers in harder sections deduct points. Emphasis on efficiency and reasoning.
1.1 Why Bebras matters
- Builds foundation for National Olympiad in Informatics (NOI) and other coding contests.
- Recognised in DSA portfolios under computational thinking achievements.
- Aligns with IMDA’s Code for Fun competencies (pattern recognition, decomposition). (IMDA Code for Fun)
2 Week-by-Week Sprint Plan
| Week | Focus | Key activities | Artefacts |
| Week 0 | Baseline & setup | Attempt past Bebras set under timed conditions; log strengths/weaknesses | Diagnostic score sheet, reflection journal entry |
| Week 1 | Unplugged fundamentals | Solve logic grid puzzles, tangram challenges; learn decomposition vocabulary | Photo evidence of puzzle solutions, glossary notes |
| Week 2 | Patterns & sequences | Use Bebraschallenge.org practice tasks; identify recurring heuristics | Annotated task bank, concept flashcards |
| Week 3 | Data representation | Encode/ decode problems (binary, ASCII, Braille); create Scratch program showing conversions | Scratch project link, summary write-up |
| Week 4 | Algorithms & flow | Practice pathfinding, sorting, minimal spanning tree puzzles; translate reasoning into pseudocode | Flowchart diagrams, pseudocode notebook |
| Week 5 | Mixed timed drills | Two timed mock sessions (45 min); review mistakes using reflect-correct log | Marked scripts, error tracker |
| Week 6 | Consolidation & storytelling | Craft DSA-ready reflection: challenge tackled, strategy, learning outcome | Portfolio paragraph, slide deck (2–3 slides) |
🔁 Daily micro-loop: 15-minute puzzle, 10-minute discussion, 5-minute reflection. Consistency beats cramming.
3 Resource Stack
- Bebraschallenge.org practice portal — archive of international tasks with solutions.
- IMDA Code for Fun toolkit — unplugged activity guides and coding modules.
- CS Unplugged — printable activities for binary, sorting, and parity.
- Scratch & Python Tutor — visual debugging to explain algorithm flow.
4 Reflection & Portfolio Packaging
4.1 Reflection prompts
- What patterns reappeared across tasks this week?
- Which heuristics (divide-and-conquer, greedy choice, invariant tracking) solved the hardest puzzle?
- How did teamwork (if practising in pairs) change your approach?
4.2 DSA artefacts
- Challenge log: Weekly reflection entries plus screenshots of solved tasks.
- Coding demo: Short Loom video walking through a Scratch/Python project inspired by a Bebras task.
- Impact statement: 150-word summary linking Bebras learning to future NOI or school ICT leadership plans.
5 Competition Day Playbook
- Sleep early, log in 15 minutes before start, double-check browser compatibility.
- Triage tasks: attempt easier ones first to bank positive points, flag tougher puzzles to revisit.
- Use scratch paper for diagrams; many Bebras problems reward visualisation.
- Post-challenge, download results (if provided) and update your reflection log within 24 hours.
6 Next Steps & CTA
- Download the 6-week sprint planner (Notion/Google Sheet template).
- Join our Saturday Bebras labs (small-group clinics focusing on advanced heuristics).
- Book a portfolio consult to align Bebras achievements with NOI bridging or DSA narratives.
