We work with schoools and colleges to inspire the next generation of Cyber talent in Wales!
ABOUT
To address skills shortages in the UK’s Cyber sector, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) originally created CyberFirst as a bursary programme encouraging students to study technology-related degrees.
Today, CyberFirst is a whole programme of initiatives designed to identify & nurture Cyber talent at all ages, inspiring the future first line of Cyber defence!
Schools & colleges in Wales can find out more and engage with most of these initiatives through the NCSC’s CyberFirst website:
THE SCHOOLS & COLLEGES AWARD
Schools & colleges who want to approach Computing & Cyber education more strategically can also apply for a CyberFirst Award. If successful, they are recognised by the NCSC for their excellence in this area at Bronze, Silver or Gold level. Schools & colleges can apply for an award across most of the UK however, the award works slightly differently depending on location.
How Does The Award Work In Wales?
The CyberFirst award is now delivered in Wales by the University of South Wales in partnership with Bangor University & Swansea University and with support from Technocamps, the National Digital Exploitation Centre & the Welsh Government.
In Wales, on top of recognition by the NCSC, schools and colleges who successfully apply for an award are also given a “CyberFirst Wales Industry Partner”: a Cyber business that commits to working with them on an annual engagement framework of exclusive events & activities, all designed to enhance the curriculum, and inspire their students into Cyber!
Students have completed CyberFirst Adventures & Trailblazers
Schools & colleges in Wales have achieved CyberFirst Awards
Year 8 girls took part in the CyberFirst Girls Competition 2023 in Wales
Year 10 Girls attended events encouraging Computing A- levels
Hours of support have been volunteered by Cyber businesses
Students aged 16-18 attended events to identify their route into Cyber
Organisations regularly work CyberFirst Wales schools & colleges
The Award has expanded our pupils’ understanding of Computing, Coding & Cyber ... we have taken part in competitions, workshops, events & visits and have seen a wider interest in Computing subjects. Our partnership with cyber company, ITSUS, allows us to embed their skills & knowledge into our curriculum ... we are proud to be a CyberFirst school.
Joe Hamer, Computing Teacher at Corpus Christi High School, Cardiff
CURRENT AWARDS
Bridgend College, Bridgend - Gold
Caldicot Comprehensive, Monmouthsire - Bronze
Cardiff and Vale College, Cardiff - Gold
Cardiff High School, Cardiff - Bronze
Coleg Cambria, Wrexham - Gold
Coleg Gwent, Blaenau Gwent - Gold
Coleg Sir Gar, Carmarthenshire - Silver
Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Cardiff - Silver
Ebbw Fawr Learning Community, Blaenau Gwent - Bronze
Gower College, Swansea - Gold
Merthyr Tydfil College, Merthyr - Gold
Rougemont School, Newport - Silver
Porthcawl Comprehensive, Bridgend - Bronze
Pencoed Comprehensive, Bridgend - Bronze
St Alban’s R.C High School, Torfaen - Silver
St David’s Catholic Sixth Form College, Cardiff - Bronze
St Joseph’s R.C High School, Newport - Gold
St John’s College, Cardiff - Bronze
WHY APPLY?
- Recognition at government level.
- Bespoke support to develop your Computing & Cyber education.
- Partnership with a Cyber business.
- Help to increase the size & diversity of your Computing cohorts, supporting student employability.
- Access to exclusive events & activities.
- Opportunities to upskill teachers.
- Support to develop your school or college cyber security posture.
