The pupils, aged 12 and 13 from Les Quennevais, Beaulieu and JCG secondary schools, took part in the Cyber First Girls 2018 competition run by the National Cyber Security Centre. During the contest they spent a week working together to decrypt a range of complex codes online.
They are currently waiting to hear the results, with a live national final due to take place in Manchester next month.
The scheme is part of the UK government’s commitment to develop the skills of young people who might one day be employed to defend the nation against cyber-security threats. It has been promoted in the Island by Skills Jersey as part of an ongoing initiative to develop digital talent locally. Lee Bell, teacher of computing at Les Quennevais School, said: ‘The girls have thoroughly enjoyed the competition and I have seen both their resilience and ambition as they have taken part. By setting up a group network online, the girls have been able to collaborate throughout the week while working in different locations. They have shown great determination to work through some tricky challenges, both at school and in their own time.’
Speaking before he stepped aside as Education Minister, Deputy Rod Bryans, said: ‘I hope this is the first of many entries we will have to this national competition, which is a great opportunity for our students. The aim is to inspire young people to get involved in cyber issues and realise how fascinating a career in this area might be. I wish them luck if they progress to the next stage.’
