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What is CyberFirst?
CyberFirst helps young people discover the dynamic industry of cyber security, what a job in cyber can lead to, and will help explore their passion for technology.
HOST, in partnership with the NCSC, delivers CyberFirst programmes to young people across the North West, making careers in technology more accessible.
CyberFirst Trailblazers
This is a free course created for Year 8 students. CyberFirst Trailblazers will introduce students to the different opportunities that having a knowledge of how technology is used in the workplace can bring.
This course will showcase how Computer Science can play a key role in future career prospects, and will be of particular benefit to those starting to consider the options available to them for their GCSE's.
What the students will do:
Go Create: Students will learn the basics of how to customise a website and generate enthusiasm about being able to contribute to digital infrastructure.
Digital Detective: Students will use digital forensics to identify the first person who has contracted a disease and learn how open source intelligence can lead to finding out more information about people.
Creative Computing: Students will learn how creative design, the arts and technology can work together. Focusing on the media industry and advertising, students will combine these elements to create their own advert sequence using stop motion whilst working in teams.
CyberFirst Adventurers
This course is a follow on from CyberFirst Trailblazers and is designed for Year 9 students, who are choosing which subjects to study at GCSE. This course will also help them gain an understanding of how studying Computer Science can improve their comprehension of how technology is used in the workplace and in their homes.
This course has been designed to build enthusiasm for technology that is currently used and future technology. At the same time this course also helps combat the stereotype that studying Computer Science can only lead to Coding and Programming careers.
What the students will do:
The Data Games: Students will gain an understanding of Big Data by using it to create the perfect team using a set of sports results. They will then compare and contrast with other students to learn about how data can be interpreted.
Crack the Code: Students will work in teams, against the clock to unlock various devices, which will help them gain an understanding of cryptography and language analysis as well as allowing them to become familiar with cyber security terms.
Engineering: Students will learn how 3D printers have started to revolutionise the manufacturing industry and look at how engineering and technology work together. Students will then have the chance to create their own model using 3D design software.
CyberFirst applications are now open
Cyber is one of the fastest growing and most rewarding careers for young people to kick start their working journey.
Becoming a CyberFirst school will set your students up for success with access to an unrivalled network of industry employers and ambassadors.
The CyberFirst scheme helps schools build a computing programme that inspires children and teenagers to pursue a career in digital. It gives them access to mentorship and work experience from leading technology companies, exclusive classroom resources and events, and an official accreditation awarded by the National Cyber Security Centre.
Do not miss this opportunity
This is the first time the CyberFirst scheme has been available in the North West, making you, as a future participating school or college, a cyber education leader in the region.
Apply today to inspire the next generation of tech pioneers across Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.
Checklist: Should you register your school?
Should you apply to become a Bronze, Silver, or Gold CyberFirst school? If you say yes to one or more of these criteria, you should register your interest straight away.
- Your school offers some form of digital or computing classes for Key Stage 3, 4, and/or 5.
- Your school wants to prepare students for exciting and growing career opportunities.
- Your school wants to attract ambitious students and parents.
- Your school has big ambitions but tight budgets - CyberFirst is a free accreditation!
3 reasons to become a CyberFirst School
Attract top students with an official accreditation
Being a CyberFirst school gives you credits toward the OFSTED framework and GATSBY benchmarks! The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will also credit you as a recognised school and provide access to unique education resources in an ever-competitive market.
Access insights from 130+ leading technology organisations
CyberFirst is more than an accreditation; it's a network. Being a CyberFirst school or college, we'll connect you with 130+ partner organisations and add you to the CISSE UK cyber education community. These networks will open up new learning and work experience opportunities your students can't get elsewhere.
Prepare students with cutting edge resources and events
In addition to the network and resources you'll get from CyberFirst, we'll also be hosting an assortment exciting and immersive events. From day-long seminars to inter-CyberFirst school competitions, your students will get a taste of the cyber world in a fun, hands-on environment.
Cyber is thriving
Give your students the opportunity to start a career that can change the world.
Stats show that:
- £29.4bn of funding was raised by UK tech companies last year
- £64,318 is the average salary offered to software developers (up 12% 2021 vs 2020)
- 160,000+ jobs vacancies are currently found in tech (up 50% 2021 vs 2020)
Source: UK Government Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Interested in becoming a CyberFirst School?
Register your interest below and here at HOST we’ll support you throughout your application for Bronze, Silver, or Gold accreditation.