Let’s Get Thinking, Grade 9s!
This November 2025, over 200 Grade 9 students from Horton High took part in the Beaver Computing Challenge. The BCC is an online multiple‐choice contest designed to introduce students to computer science ideas and sharpen logical, computational thinking. The goal is not simply “get all the right answers” but to encourage curiosity, thinking, and applying reasoning in fresh contexts.
Why this is fantastic for Grade 9s at Horton
Having 200+ Grade 9s engage with this kind of challenge is a big win. Here’s why:
1. Building strong reasoning habits
The BCC’s structure means students must understand the problem, pick apart what’s being asked, often identify patterns or logic flows, and then choose the best answer under time pressure. These are precisely the kinds of mental habits that serve well in math, computing, science and many other fields.
2. Linking math to computing thinking
Although the contest doesn’t demand prior programming experience, it asks students to think like a computer scientist: “What happens if I change this input?” “How many ways can this pattern evolve?” “What logical steps must I follow to reach the answer?” For a high school math classroom (especially one focused on conceptual thinking), this is a great bridge.
3. Encouraging participation and a growth mindset
When so many students choose to take the challenge, it sends a message: we value thinking, we value stretching ourselves, it’s okay to try something new. Because the BCC emphasises participation rather than “pass/fail”, it fosters a risk‐friendly environment.
4. Time and strategy matter
With only 45 minutes and 15 questions, time management becomes part of the game. Students must decide: “Which question do I tackle first?” “When should I move on if I’m stuck?” That kind of strategy is part of advanced thinking – beyond routine work.
Final thoughts
Horton High has shown outstanding engagement by having such a large Grade 9 cohort dive into the Beaver Computing Challenge. It’s not just about competition; it’s about thinking differently, pushing comfort zones, and building habits of reasoning that pay off far beyond one contest.
