Queen Katherine Students Shine at Lancaster University Cyber Experience Day

Posted on by Kate Jenkinson

Image of paper based cyber games and activities

Students from Queen Katherine School enjoyed an unforgettable visit to Lancaster University on 24 November 2025 — a day filled with discovery, challenge, and hands-on immersion into the world of cyber security. The event offered an inspiring blend of academic insight and practical problem-solving, and the students embraced every moment.

From the moment they stepped off the bus, the welcome, led by Sophie James and Kirk Wadsworth, spoke their language. University staff created an atmosphere that felt both professional and relatable, helping students immediately connect with life at Lancaster. As one member of staff said afterwards, “The welcome really introduced Lancaster in a way they could relate to.”

Cyber Escape Room: Fast-Paced, Real, and Completely Immersive

The first activity took students straight into a high-energy cyber scenario. Designed and delivered by Sophie James and Ryan Hyland, the Cyber Escape Room challenged students to think critically and collaborate under pressure.

The puzzles were grounded in real-world cyber threats, drawing students into the kinds of decisions and dilemmas security professionals face daily. The feedback from school staff reflected just how impactful this was: “Fast-paced, relevant, and grounded in real-world scenarios.”

Encryption with a Twist: History Meets Codebreaking

The partner activity, led by Dan Fretwell and Jess Jay, brought cryptography to life in a way that was unexpectedly powerful. Students weren’t just learning about encryption; they were stepping into the shoes of the historical figures who once relied on it. This blend of digital skill and historical storytelling became a particular highlight of the day. For many, it was the first time they’d seen how the past and present connect within the cyber landscape.

Lunch, Campus Exploration, and a Mind-Blowing Digital Experience

Students enjoyed lunch in the Sky Lounge before embarking on their Data Immersion Suite tour. This cutting-edge environment stunned even the most tech-savvy among them.

One staff member summed it up perfectly: “The data immersion suite was genuinely mind-blowing for them.”

The immersive visualisations and interactive demonstrations opened students’ eyes to the scale, complexity, and creativity of digital technologies that shape modern research.

A Day of Engagement From Start to Finish

What stood out most was the level of engagement. The students didn’t simply attend; they participated, questioned, solved, and imagined themselves in the world of cyber security.

We are incredibly grateful to Lancaster University for hosting such a rich and motivating experience, and to all the staff — both university and school — who supported the day. It was a visit we hope students won’t forget, and one that has already sparked new interest in cyber security pathways.

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