College awarded for excellence in cyber security education

Gower College Swansea has become one of the latest education institutions to be awarded a Gold CyberFirst Award for its first-rate cyber security teaching.

The CyberFirst programme is run by the National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ. The programme recognises schools and colleges that can demonstrate a commitment to inspiring the latest generation of cyber security experts and bridging the cyber skills gap.

Described as a champion of computing and cyber education and recognised for a first-rate approach to cyber security teaching, Gower College Swansea is delighted to receive its Gold Award.

Peter Scott Digital Skills and Innovation Lead said: “We are delighted to have achieved the Gold Award in a recent assessment. It plays testament to the hard work and dedication of our digital efforts within the College, and positively reflects on the importance of cyber security as a vital industry for our learners to aspire to work within.” 

To become a CyberFirst award winner, Gower College Swansea submitted a detailed application to demonstrate commitment to the future of the cyber industry and developing cyber talent, which was evaluated and scored against extensive criteria by a panel of representatives from government, industry and academia.

One of the inaugural events hosted as part of the gold initiative occurred last week (Thursday 7 March). Over 45 Year 9 students from Penyrheol, Dylan Thomas, and Cefn Hengoed comprehensive schools visited the College's Tycoch Campus to participate in a hands-on cyber skills testing event facilitated by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Students participated in CyberFirst Investigators, an initiative aimed at enhancing understanding of cybersecurity. Additionally, they engaged in role-playing scenarios as cybersecurity professionals employed by a fictional app company called Sirius Cyberworks. In this simulated environment, they tackled the case of a stolen game utilising techniques such as digital forensics, OSINT, and cryptography.

Speaking about the College's recognition, Joanne Ralph from CyberFirst said: "Gower College Swansea has shown their continued commitment and dedication to delivering excellence in cyber security education. Their journey from a silver to gold award attests to their investment of time, expertise, and resources, inspiring the next generation of cyber enthusiasts. I am pleased to be part of this exciting journey and where this will lead."