The HMG Cyber Schools Programme launches!

The Cyber Schools Programme is a government funded, extracurricular cyber security learning programme that is being delivered in several stages, collectively branded as Cyber Discovery.

We are pleased to announce that Cyber Discovery has now launched, beginning with an assessment stage, CyberStart Assess, for students in years 10-13 across schools in England.

Participants attempt a series of fun and interactive online challenges that gradually increase in difficulty. CyberStart Assess will remain open for several weeks, following which, the students identified as being the most skilled will begin the learning stages of the programme.

The assessment challenges and further information about the Cyber Discovery programme can be accessed via the programmes website https://www.joincyberdiscovery.com/ 

Schools, Parents and Volunteers Needed!

As well as encouraging young people to take part in this first stage of the programme, Cyber Discovery are also looking for schools, parents and volunteers to set up and host extracurricular Cyber Discovery clubs. These volunteers will become club leaders and provide students with guidance, motivation and support throughout the programme.

No prior knowledge of cyber security is required in order to be a club leader as the programme is initially delivered online through a gamified learning platform that is both intuitive and designed to encourage students to progress independently. You could be a parent running a small club at home, a teacher in a school or an industry professional keen to impart advice.

In addition to applications to become a club leader, Cyber Discovery welcome suggestions from volunteers willing to support the programme in other ways. Ultimately their aim is to encourage young people to pursue an interest and potentially a career in cyber security. To that end, they intend to utilise industry expertise later in the programme – this could include site visits, inspirational and educational talks, career advice or hands-on assistance at Capture the Flag events.

In all cases, the first stage is to register your details here: www.joincyberdiscovery.com. The website also contains further information about the programme itself and the role of a Cyber Discovery club leader.