27 June 2019
Students will next week learn about acting safely, legally and ethically in the digital world and be inspired to consider a career in cyber security.
Around 300 Year 9 students, aged between 13 and 14, will take part in a week of Cyber Security STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) workshops organised by Skills Jersey and Defence Logic and delivered by specialists from the Smallpeice Trust organisation.
The workshops, which will be held at Beaulieu Convent School, start next Friday, when 60 Beaulieu students will work in small teams to solve a number of tasks, with each activity reinforcing the appropriate and safest ways to act in an increasingly digital world.
The Assistant Minister for Education, Deputy Jeremy Maçon, who has previously thrown his support behind initiatives to get more girls into STEM subjects, said: “I am pleased that this week-long programme of workshops focusing on the world of cyber security will not only teach our children to be safe online but also open their eyes to exciting career opportunities. I am particularly pleased that so many girls, who are under-represented in this field, are going to be taking part in these workshops.”
Dave Roworth, from Skills Jersey, has overseen the planning for the workshops and is pleased that every secondary school will be involved.
“I am particularly delighted to see these workshops being hosted at the Beaulieu Institute of Technology because girls are under-represented in this sector and yet are very well suited to the skills required to be a cyber specialist,” he said. “The world of cyber security is an increasing market for businesses and we need to develop the next generation of cyber warriors to protect the digital assets of our businesses, government and individuals.
“This will be the first time that Smallpeice Trust will have delivered cyber-focused STEM days in Jersey schools, and we are confident that students will enjoy a challenging and fun day, whilst learning lots about the emerging world of cyber security.”
Anthony Flemmer, the CEO of Defence Logic, commented: “As a local cyber security business, we know how important this area is becoming, and how we need to develop talent from a young age. We are proud to be involved in this first for Jersey schools, with specialist activities that focus entirely on the world of cyber. There is talent in abundance among our young people, and we hope to inspire these students to consider a future career in cyber.”
gov.je