CyberFirst Horizons Programme – Week One Success Report
The first week of the CyberFirst Horizons Programme was an outstanding success, providing students with invaluable experiences that went beyond technical learning. The programme offered participants the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, gain insights into future career pathways, and develop essential skills for both professional and personal growth.
From the very start, students embraced the chance to meet and connect with like-minded peers. Through interactive activities, they discovered common interests while appreciating the diverse backgrounds and unique experiences each participant brought to the group. This created a collaborative and supportive environment that carried through the entire week.
Highlights from the Week
Operation Enigma Challenge: On Monday morning, students worked in teams to tackle a WW2-themed codebreaking challenge. This activity required strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills, setting the tone for the week.
Wellbeing & Growth Mindset: Later that day, Mica MacInnes FCIPD delivered a session on emotional wellbeing and developing a growth mindset, reinforcing skills that are vital both inside and outside the workplace.
Industry Insights: Tuesday featured inspiring talks from James Duncan (Microsoft) and Olivia Gibson (Durham University & CyberWomen C.I.C. President), who shared their journeys into Cyber Security and the opportunities available.
Danielle Phillips MBA FIIC introduced students to local opportunities in the North East, gave hints on events to attend and how to network.
Career Development: Midweek sessions focused on employability, including impactful CV writing advice from Rebecca Storey, Kathryn Henderson, and Rachael Farrer of the North East Combined Authority. Guest speaker Dr David Hooper also shared how AI can support success.
Presentation Skills: Students built confidence and communication abilities through individual and group presentations, enhancing their public speaking and teamwork.
Digital Skills & Online Safety: On Thursday, Barclays Skills Team members Billy Carrick and Hannah Lant introduced students to Digital Wings and LifeSkills, providing tools to improve financial literacy, digital safety, and interview preparation. Additional sessions covered LinkedIn best practices, creating their own LinkedIn profiles (or improving those who already had them) and managing digital footprints.
Cyber Heist Escape Box: The week concluded with an exciting escape room challenge. Students worked collaboratively to crack codes, solve clues, and beat the challenge. As the first group to experience this activity at the Year 12 version, their feedback & input will now be jointly incorporated to refine it for future participants, and the hope is for them to become Near Peer STEM (Cyber) Ambassadors & deliver it to pupils in their schools and at future events with RTC North & the STEM Team.
Student Engagement & Attitude: All attending students were an absolute pleasure to have on the programme. They demonstrated exceptional maturity, engagement, and enthusiasm throughout the week. Every task was approached with energy and a willingness to learn, and they consistently gave 100%. Their positive attitude and professionalism were noted by facilitators and guest speakers alike.
Impact: Students left the programme feeling inspired, better connected, and equipped with new skills and confidence. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity and excitement for upcoming sessions in August.
