CyberFirst Girls Competition
The CyberFirst Girls Competition aims to inspire girls who are interested in technology to consider a career in cyber security.
The competition is a team-based event. Each team, consisting of up to four girls in Year 8, will engage in challenges that cover areas such as cryptography, logic, artificial intelligence, and networking, all for the opportunity to be named cyber security champions.
Every girl on the winning teams will receive a new laptop to take home, and there will also be a chance to win prize money for their school.
In the North East, we host a regional final where all winning teams from the region compete. In past years, our industry partners, including Sage, have generously donated laptops to the winning regional team.
Palo Alto Networks CTF
Palo Alto Networks launched an exciting Capture the Flag competition, specially designed for CyberFirst schools to showcase their cyber security skills on a regional stage.
This thrilling challenge puts students to the test with a variety of real-world industry tools, including the powerful Cyber Chef, to crack codes, decipher puzzles, and tackle cyber security scenarios.
Competing teams will race against each other to solve these immersive challenges, with Amazon vouchers up for grabs for the top performers.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to sharpen their cyber skills, compete with peers, and earn recognition in the world of cyber security.
Cyber Horizons
Cyber Horizons is a career-focused event for year 10 students and above designed to provide students with valuable insights from experienced cyber professionals. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the responsibilities involved in various cyber roles, the motivations behind career choices, the highlights of each professional’s work, a typical day in their life, and the pathways to pursue similar careers. Additionally, the speakers will offer essential advice for those considering a future in cyber security.
Cyber Horizons Session 5 - Laura Reid, Continuous Security Testing Manager at Claranet
SAGE EMPOWER
Sage’s groundbreaking event takes place at St. James' Park, aiming to inspire and educate 12-year-old girls about the vast potential of a career in the tech sector. This two-day event, held annually in November, aligns with a crucial time in these young students’ lives as they prepare to make their GCSE choices.
EmPowerCyber will bring together over 40 organisations, including well-known local brands like Greggs and Newcastle Building Society, alongside charities, government bodies, and universities. The event’s mission is to encourage more young female talent into STEM roles, while showcasing the remarkable tech-driven businesses in their local area.
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Kings Priory Digital in partnership with CyberFirst and RTC North will be taking a range of cyber related activities on their cyber floor which include:
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Operation Enigma
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Cyber Forensics
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Cyber Explorers
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Cyber Sprinters
STEMFest
STEMFest is an exciting, free event organised by the STEM Hub and delivered by RTC North. The purpose of the event is to ignite enthusiasm and understanding among young people in schools across the North East and Yorkshire & Humber about the fascinating world of STEM subjects, helping to guide the next generation towards fulfilling careers in STEM.
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Kings Priory Digital support the delivery of engaging workshops for both primary and secondary pupils through the following:
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Operation Enigma
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Cyber Forensics
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Cyber Explorers
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Cyber Sprinters
Courses and Resources
The NCSC offers a series of short courses designed to introduce young people to the world of cyber security. These courses are named Trailblazers, Adventurers, Investigators, Defenders, Futures, and Advanced.
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CyberFirst Trailblazers is a free half-day event designed for Year 8 students.
This is the first in a series of CyberFirst events that will guide students on the exciting journey of choosing their GCSE subjects and exploring how Computer Science can play a vital role in their future career prospects.
Parents or guardians are warmly invited to attend, where they can enjoy a specially tailored talk and some light refreshments. The event includes:
Go Create– Discover the fundamentals of customising a website and ignite your enthusiasm to contribute to the World Wide Web.
Digital Detective – Use digital forensics to uncover the first person infected with a disease and learn how open-source intelligence can help you gather more information about this individual.
Creative Computing – Explore the intersection of creative design, arts, and technology. Gain insight into how the media industry and advertising blend these elements, and have the opportunity to work in teams to create your own advert sequence using stop motion.
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CyberFirst Adventurers is a free half-day event designed for Year 9 students
This is the second in a series of events aimed at showcasing the diverse roles and careers that involve technology in the workplace. The course is specifically targeted at students who have not yet made their GCSE choices, providing them with the opportunity to discover how studying Computer Science can enhance their future career paths.
Parents or guardians are warmly invited to attend, where they can enjoy a specially designed talk and some light refreshments. The event includes:
The Data Games – Dive into the world of big data as you learn to create the perfect team using a set of sports results. Compare your results with others and discover how to interpret data effectively.
Crack the Code – Work in teams against the clock to unlock various devices. Experience the thrill of cryptography and language analysis while familiarising yourself with key cyber security terms. But be mindful—the timer won't stop until you crack the code!
Engineering – Explore how 3D printing is revolutionising the engineering industry and discover the exciting intersection of technology and engineering. You'll even have the chance to create your very own model using 3D design software!
I Belong: encouraging girls into computer science
Computer science is the fastest-growing STEM subject, yet, despite its popularity, girls are consistently outnumbered by boys. The gender gap in computing can be traced back to stereotypes developed during primary school years. To enhance diversity both in and out of the classroom, we must show girls from a young age that they belong in computer science.
Teach Computing have produced an evidence-informed programme which aims to help teachers and leaders understand the barriers to girls’ participation in computer science and develop strategies to overcome them. They provide curated resources, training, and implementation support to empower educators with the tools needed to foster positive attitudes towards computing among female students, ultimately leading to more girls choosing computer science qualifications and careers.
Statistics reveal that girls' intent to study computing declines significantly between the ages of 8-11 and 12-13. In 2024, girls accounted for just 21.9% of GCSE Computer Science entries, and only 17.5% of A Level Computer Science entries were from girls.
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Enrol onto the programme here
Isaac Computer Science
Isaac Computer Science, is a free online platform designed specifically for students and teachers developed by Teach Computing.
Whether you’re in the classroom, tackling homework, or preparing for exams, Isaac Computer Science has the resources you need to succeed. The platform offers a wide range of interactive lessons, engaging activities, and comprehensive revision materials that cater to different learning styles and abilities.
In addition to these invaluable resources, we also host free student events throughout the year. These events provide opportunities for students to engage with computing concepts in exciting ways, connect with industry professionals, and enhance their understanding of the subject.
Isaac Computer Science is proud to be part of the Department for Education's National Centre for Computing Education, ensuring that our resources align with the highest educational standards and help to inspire the next generation of computer scientists.