The points scheme for Challenge 2B is as follows:

How are you getting on? This is the last chance to submit a solution for Challenge 1 (part A or B) as we will close the submissions at 23.59 tonight. If you haven't checked how you have done yet you should use the "get feedback" link to do so as you could still correct errors and resubmit for the deadline.

We will post the Leaders Boards some time tomorrow, and you will be able to download your certificate for Challenge 1 using the link on the feedback page once the boards are posted. If you can't find where you are on the leader boards, try using your browser search to look for your team name or school. We will publish the names of the winners for the part A prizes some time in the next two days.

Challenge 2 will be published tomorrow at 3.15, so sharpen your pencils and your brains, get your team into gear, and I will see you then. All the best,

 

Harry

The clock is ticking for the final countdown and the first challenge will be posted this afternoon at 3.15. There is always a rush to get it, and the servers will groan and creak, but hopefully not break. THERE IS NO NEED TO PANIC! You have until midnight tomorrow to submit and (hopefully) get full marks for the first Challenge 1B, and you have until midnight Wednesday to get full marks for Challenge 1A, so if the servers are struggling just wait a while and try again. If you all repeatedly hammer at the pages it makes the situation worse for everyone.

One crucial change this year is that the cipher texts are not available for download, they are just displayed onscreen. You can print them out, or you can cut and paste the text from the browser window into your favourite text or word processor, but do be careful to disable automatic spelling corrections as we need you to submit a literal decryption of the text. If you (or your spell checker) think we have made a mistake, check your decryption carefully, but do not try to fix the mistake for us! You will lose marks if you do.

We will switch on the automated feedback system around 11am tomorrow so if you submit before then and make a mistake you will be able to see that and submit a corrected version. In general we only release feedback on a part B solution after the next points boundary is crossed to encourage you to correct your own work, but we are feeling generous this week, so do make use of that!

Good luck to all of you, we hope you enjoy the competition.

All the best,

Harry

If you have tried to register and have not received an email from us confirming your registration then there are two likely causes. The first is that you have mis-spelt your email and so we can't get hold of you. The second is that even though you spelt it right your email service is rejecting our mail to you, mistaking it for spam. We have had a flurry of these over the last few days as school email servers, recognising that the email is auto-generated have bounced them back to us. In the first case you can just try registering again, but in the second case that won't work as you still won't get the confirmation message so you won't be able to activate the registration. The easiest fix is to ask your postmaster/IT boffin to make sure that messages from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. all get delivered. If you are using a school email account this is something a teacher should be able to help with (although they may need to talk to the local authority email provider), but if you are using a commercial provider then probably you can fix it by adding This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to your address book. If all else fails do get in touch and we will try to help.

All the best, Harry