Three Year 9 students from Garstang Community Academy recently had an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the very forefront of national cyber security, participating in the prestigious Lancashire Cyber Festival at Lancaster University.
Organised by the Lancashire Cyber Partnership, this impactful event brought together a diverse range of key employers, advisors, and students within the burgeoning cyber sector. Our students were selected to be part of a dynamic panel session, where they were tasked with sharing their unique perspectives and experiences on recent cyber-related events they had attended. Adding an extraordinary layer of excitement to the day, the identity of the panel's guest speaker was kept under wraps until the last moment, due to the sensitive nature of their role. To the delight and awe of our students and attending staff, the secret guest was revealed to be none other than The Commander of the National Cyber Force!
The Commander, generously shared invaluable insights into his critical role in shaping the future of cyber security, not only at a national level but also specifically within Lancashire. He imparted crucial information and advice to our pupils and offered a rare glimpse into the complex and vital world of cyber defence. This was a truly amazing and inspiring experience for our pupils. Interacting directly with such a high-ranking and influential figure in the cyber security landscape is an opportunity that few young people ever encounter.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 9 students, who represented Garstang Community Academy with exceptional professionalism and maturity throughout the entire event. Their participation highlights the academy's commitment to providing students with real-world experiences and exposure to cutting-edge industries, fostering the next generation of talent in vital fields like cyber security.
