Junior IT Olympiad
The second stage of the Junior IT Olympiad was held at the Silesian University of Technology. This is a nationwide competition addressed to primary school pupils. The first stage of the Olympiad was held in schools, while the second regional stage was held at the Faculty of Automatic Control, Electronics and Computer Science of the Silesian University of Technology.
For the fourth time, the Silesian University of Technology hosted the Silesian stage of the Junior IT Olympiad. The event was attended by 21 pupils from the Silesian Voivodeship – the best participants selected in the first school stage of the competition – says Dr Eng. Bożena Wieczorek from the Department of Algorithmics and Software at the Faculty of Automatic Control, Electronics and Computer Science.
The Junior IT Olympiad is one of the most demanding subject competitions for primary school pupils. It is addressed to pupils in grades five to eight who are interested in programming and algorithmic.
- The first stage takes place in schools – participants solve programming tasks and a theoretical test. The best of them qualify for the regional stage, organized in several academic centres throughout Poland. One of such centres is the Silesian University of Technology. As explained by Dr Eng. Bożena Wieczorek, the University has the right infrastructure – modern computer laboratories and technical facilities – which enable efficient conduct of the competition. - An important role is also played by the technical team preparing the hardware and software needed for the work of the participants - she adds.
The regional stage starts with a trial session. During its course, pupils check computer workstations and get acquainted with the system of sending solutions. Then the proper part of the competition begins – a four-hour session during which the participants solve three algorithmic and programming tasks. All competitors in Poland work on exactly the same tasks, and the results are announced only after the competition ends.
The best participants of the second stage advance to the final, which takes place in Warsaw. Just qualifying for the finals means getting the title of finalist of the Junior IT Olympiad, which is an important achievement in further education.
- Winners and finalists can count on additional points or the maximum score in the mathematics and biology part during recruitment to secondary schools - says Dr Eng. Bożena Wieczorek.
The organization of the Olympics also has a broader educational dimension. Participation in the competition requires the pupils to be very well prepared – often even a year of intensive learning and practicing programming and algorithmic skills. Thanks to this, young IT enthusiasts can develop their skills and interests at an early stage of education.
For many participants, this is also the first opportunity to see what a technical university looks like. Young programmers visit the campus, get to know laboratories, and some of them spend the night in the dormitories of the Silesian University of Technology. – They often say that they like our campus very much and that they would be happy to return here in the future to study – emphasizes Dr Eng. Wieczorek.
One of the participants of the Olympics was Dominik from Bytom, a 6th grade primary school pupil.
- My son has mathematical and computer skills. We want him to test his abilities and gain experience. Such competitions help young people develop passions and discover their way. In addition, good results in such competitions can open the way to good secondary schools – emphasizes Ms. Anna, Dominik’s mother.
- I wanted to check how I would manage and see what such a competition looks like - adds Dominik.
Also, for Marcin Wysowski from Częstochowa, a 7th grade pupil, the Olympics is an opportunity to test his skills. - After school I often program and work on my own projects – it just gives me pleasure – says Marcin.
- Such competitions are a great opportunity for a young man to test his abilities and see if he wants to develop in this direction - emphasizes his mother, Mrs. Daria. - If the university can already see the potential of the pupil at this stage, it can help him indicate the way for the future - adds Marcin's dad, Mr. Andrzej Wysowski.
Silesian University of Technology actively supports the development of young IT talents. The university cooperates, among others, with the Academic Secondary Comprehensive School, where students can develop their interests in programming during additional classes and algorithmic science clubs. In subsequent stages of education, they can take part in academic programming competitions, such as team programming championships.
As emphasized by Dr Bożena Wieczorek, the development of digital and technical competences is extremely important today. In the technology sector, there is still a high demand for specialists. That is why we want to support young people in developing their talents and passions – she says.
The regional stage of the Junior IT Olympiad in Gliwice is not only a competition, but also an inspiring meeting of young programming enthusiasts with the academic IT environment.
The Junior IT Olympiad is co-financed by the Ministry of Education as part of the public task “Organization and conduct of subject Olympiads and tournaments in school years 2025/2026, 2026/2027, 2027/2028”.
For more information about the Olympiad please visit the website: Junior IT Olympiad.
