CyberFirst at Lancaster University: Inspiring the Next Generation of Cyber Talent

Posted on by Kate Jenkinson

Blue and white Cyber First Logo

On 10th September, we had the pleasure of welcoming 29 Year 8 students from Furness Academy to Lancaster University for an exciting and action-packed CyberFirst session, hosted in partnership with IN4 Group. The day was designed to ignite curiosity, creativity, and confidence in technology and cybersecurity, giving young people a hands-on introduction to the skills and thinking that drive the digital world.

The students dived straight into a series of interactive activities. They programmed Sphero robots, learning how coding can bring machines to life, and tackled an encryption challenge guided by Dan Fretwell and Jessica Jay, developing their problem-solving skills and understanding of how cyber security protects our digital lives. The day also encouraged critical thinking, with lively discussions on the ethics of artificial intelligence, helping students consider not just what technology can do, but how it should be used responsibly.

A highlight of the session was exploring The Future of Technology in a thought-provoking talk, followed by an AI-powered Kahoot quiz, which tested the students’ knowledge and added an element of friendly competition. They also had the opportunity to hear from Fred Binley, Head of UK Student Recruitment and Widening Participation, who spoke about what makes Lancaster University such a special place to study. His insights into life at the university and the pathways available in cyber and computing inspired students to imagine their own futures in technology.

We were particularly proud to see a 50/50 split of girls and boys participating, as well as students from diverse backgrounds, all engaging enthusiastically with the world of technology. Their energy, curiosity, and creativity throughout the day were truly impressive, and it was clear that the session had sparked both interest and confidence in pursuing STEM subjects.

Events like this highlight the importance of giving young people opportunities to explore, experiment, and learn in a supportive environment. They also showcase the collaborative efforts between schools, industry partners, and universities to build the next generation of cyber and technology talent.

A huge thank you to Furness Academy, IN4 Group, and our Lancaster University colleagues for helping to make this day so memorable. We look forward to hosting more sessions like this in the future, inspiring even more students to explore the exciting possibilities in technology and cybersecurity.

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