Pupils to put cybersecurity skills to the test as they
compete for tech prizes in UK-wide challenge
New competition supports teaching of key cybersecurity
skills, encouraging uptake in computer science and future careers
in the field
Technology Secretary today calls on more schools to
engage with the UK government’s free Cyber Explorers
course
Schools from every corner of the UK are invited to test their
tech skills for the chance to be crowned Cyber Explorer
champions, Science and Technology Secretary has announced.
The Cyber Explorers Cup kicked off today (Wednesday 6 December)
giving pupils between 11 and 14 years the opportunity to compete
in cyber security challenges – boosting their learning in a vital
technology, with the chance to win tech-related prizes which
could include vouchers for schools to buy new learning materials
and equipment, class trips, and opportunities for teachers and
students to engage with other learning opportunities.
More than 60,000 students from around 2,500 schools across the
country have already been signed up to Cyber Explorers – a free
learning platform provided by the UK government that introduces
Key Stage 3 pupils to important cyber security concepts such as
digital forensics, encryption, secure communication, the Computer
Misuse Act and network security. The competition is open to all
schools, including home schools, and involves teams of up to four
students per school completing a series of missions based on a
‘Capture the Flag’ format during the hour-long competition.
The highest scoring school in each UK nation will be awarded tech
prizes, and branded learning material to support students to
build their skills. The competition will run until March 2024,
and will be launched by the Science and Technology Secretary on a
visit to a school in South-East London. She is joined by Cyber
Explorers campaigner and primetime TV personality Baasit Siddiqui
who will deliver an in-person learning session with the students,
exploring the online platform.
Science and Technology Secretary, , said:
“As the pace of technological change picks up, it is more
important than ever to harness the enthusiasm of future
generations, inspired by the prospect of exciting careers in
cybersecurity that keep us safe. The Cyber Explorers cup will
help us do exactly that.
“I want Cyber Explorers to create new opportunities for thousands
of young people to gain the crucial knowledge in cyber security,
digital tech and computing we need to bolster our growing cyber
sector and make the UK a technology superpower.
“With exciting activities and expert insight on offer to help
build those valuable skills, I encourage teachers across our
country to take on the challenge.”
Baasit
Siddiqui said:
“Having worked on the Cyber Explorers programme
for over a year, it has highlighted the importance of preparing
the next generation of cyber professionals. We need to empower
digital literacy, resilience, and creativity in the digital
space.
“I've enjoyed supporting students in recognising the incredible
ways in which technology is used in varying careers but also
informing them of the importance of protecting their devices and
data from varying cyber threats. I'm confident the upcoming Cyber
Explorers Cup will celebrate the most cyber-savvy children across
the UK and I'm excited to be a part of these events”.
Cyber Explorers was
launched in February 2022 to support and inspire pupils towards a
future career in tech and give them the foundational knowledge to
pursue crucial subjects such as computer science.
On this free learning platform, students can access a range of
quizzes and activities, with support from the team’s Cyber Squad
experts, showing the new and exciting opportunities available for
those striving to work in a range of tech roles, across social
media content creation, sports technology and AI innovation to
name a few.
The UK cyber security sector is growing fast, having generated
£10.5bn in 2022 – up 3% on the previous year – and with around
2,000 cyber security firms based across the country. The sector
employs nearly 60,000 people, up 10% on 2021, with continued
investment to drive up job opportunities in the coming years.
Notes to editors
- Competing schools can create a team with a maximum number of
four competing students. It is recommended there is at least one
competing student from each year group. KS3 (England and Wales),
P7, S1 and S2 (Scotland) and Years 8, 9 and 10 (Northern
Ireland).
- Competing schools, homeschools and students must be available
for a 1-hour session at various available times in March 2024.
- It is recommended that the competing school or homeschool has
completed a minimum of 65% of the content provided by the online
Cyber Explorers learning programme, e.g., three Character
challenges and five Missions. This will be based on the number of
students a school has registered at time of entry. Progress will
be assessed by the Cyber Explorers team.
- Teachers and home editors applying for their school to take
part must submit a request to the Cyber Explorers team, who will
then review the competing schools’ or homeschools submission and
assess if the minimum requirement of 65% completion of the
learning programme has been met.
