Last week, Year 9 girls from Morton Academy got the chance to attend an inspiring computing and cyber security workshop, where they gained an insight into careers in the sector.  

Hosted by Lancaster University, the event involved a series of practical activities and talks and was designed to open up the world of computer science for girls. The students from Morton Academy had the opportunity to operate technology, hear from experts about all the exciting new advances within the cyber field and discover what a career in computing might look like.  

The outreach event was organised by Lancaster University’s School of Computing and Communications in partnership with Lancashire Cyber Foundry, a project which supports businesses to grow and defend themselves from cyber-attacks. Giving a real-life taste of their work, therefore, the day kicked off with a scenario in which students had to defend a business against cyber-attacks. They had to decide whether to invest money into growing the business or into protecting it by purchasing cyber security measures to safeguard their data and network infrastructure.  

Later in the day, students also got experience with coding as part of a Lego robotics session. This saw them tasked with designing algorithms that would control the robots, making them move and stopping them when they encountered an obstacle. 

Throughout the event, the Morton Academy students benefitted from exposure to the university’s team of academics, who talked about their research and experience in computer science. The girls also enjoyed a campus tour, visiting the library as well as computing labs where the university helps to develop new technology and initiatives.  

Richard McGuire, Principal at Morton Academy, said: 

“It is incredibly important that our students know what vibrant and varied career opportunities are available to them after their schooling and that they have the highest ambitions for their futures. This sort of event helps demonstrate what is possible and is a brilliant example of what we call education with character at our academy.  

“Thanks to academics at Lancaster University, the girls came away feeling inspired, energised and excited about what computer science could offer and with practical experience of what a career in the field might look like. We look forward to opening up many more similar opportunities in the future for our students.”