Clarendon High School for Girls (CGHS) pupil Layla Khandoo, 18, won a silver medal by placing second in the national finals of the Computer Applications Olympiad in Johannesburg from June 30 to July 2.
Khandoo competed against more than 11,000 pupils in the first round of the Olympiad in March and stormed through to the second round in May, where she placed joint first in the Eastern Cape. This earned her spot in the national finals alongside nine other top contenders.
The Computer Applications Olympiad is part of the broader SA Computer Olympiad. It tests skills in areas such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentations.
Despite tough competition, Khandoo excelled, taking home silver and a cash prize for herself and CGHS.
She said: “It felt gratifying to win silver, as I was up against the best of the best in this competition who are well versed in computer applications so that was intimidating.
“The most challenging part was the complications in the competition itself. We went through many ‘technical difficulties,’ and that was stressful for all of us to solve on top of the competition anxiety.
”The next challenge was overcoming imposter syndrome because as much as I enjoy not being the smartest in a room, it was daunting being amongst so many ‘computer whizzes’.
“Coming second overall is affirming for me and I was elated to receive the award.”
Khandoo prepared by going through past papers and then watching tutorials online for any recurring topics she was not familiar with.
She said she underestimated the heights to which computer applications would take her, as she only took the subject because she felt it would be useful for university. Since then, her love for it has grown and she intends to compete at national level again in future.
She said: “This achievement taught me to not doubt myself.
“If I’m given an opportunity, I’m there for a reason.
“This competition has shown me what happens when you’re willing to put yourself out there.
“I plan to incorporate computer and data sciences into my degree after school as I feel it’s a versatile skill that will get into any industry.”
Khandoo encourages other pupils and students to enter academic competitions to stave off the tendency to retreat into a comfort zone.
Khandoo said: “The finals were a fun experience that I went into without expectations, and came out of with a silver medal and new friends.”
Layla’s mother, Reshma Khandoo, said the family was proud of Layla even before her silver medal win, given the effort and dedication she put into preparing to compete.
Reshma said: “I was at the awards ceremony with Layla’s aunt when her name was announced, and my heart was pounding with pride.
“It was an overwhelming moment not just because of the award but because I knew how much she deserved it. I felt incredibly proud and genuinely excited for her.”
Reshma said Layla had always been comfortable with technology but what set her apart was her curiosity.
Reshma said: ”Layla is equally passionate about culture, science, the arts, and technology. It’s that balanced interest that really makes her shine. She approaches her challenges with such calm and focus that it helps keep the rest of us grounded too.
She said Layla was a dedicated pupil who put effort into everything she did.
“I once asked her how she managed to excel in all her subjects so effortlessly, and she said: ‘I don’t wait for exams to study — I make sure I understand the work as it’s taught. Then exams are just revision.’
“She holds herself to high standards but also knows how to balance her studies with fun.
“That discipline and self-awareness plays a significant role in her success.”
CGHS Computer Applications Technology (CAT) teacher Angela Haschick said: “It is wonderful seeing pupils such as Layla compete nationally as it proves the school is preparing pupils for the digitally evolving future.
Hashnick said: “Our primary school is an Apple-accredited school and we at the high school offer Digitech in grades 8 and 9, and pupils can choose CAT or IT in grades 10-12. This integration of technology into their schooling means our pupils are exposed to digital advancements from an early age.
“This encourages them to use technology as a tool to solve problems across all subjects. This is a life skill that is critical for their futures no matter what career path they choose.”
