Education Scotland recently awarded funding to Abertay University to develop an online module that will support secondary school computing teachers to deliver the ethical hacking unit of the National Progression Award (NPA) in cyber security. The NPA in cyber security provides senior phase pupils with knowledge and skills in digital forensics and ethical hacking – preparing learners for further studies and future employment in this area.

Abertay University provided 40 secondary school computing teachers across Scotland with specialised knowledge on ethical hacking to boost their confidence in delivering this relatively new subject. All secondary school computing teachers in Scotland currently delivering the NPA in cyber security were invited to sign up for this online module, with the 40 available places quickly filled. Teachers accessedd the course through Abertay’s online virtual learning environment, in addition to benefitting from a virtual lab where practical work could be conducted in a safe and secure space.

It is hoped the module will help increase the number of schools delivering the NPA in cyber security in the future.

 

Gayle Gorman, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Chief Executive of Education Scotland said:

‘We are delighted to award funding to Abertay University for this project. The University’s specialist knowledge of cyber security will help to support teachers with providing the very best for our young people. The NPA in cyber security equips young people with the vital cyber skills and knowledge they need to take advantage of the opportunities that exist within the sector.

‘Cyber Scotland Week also provides a good opportunity to underline the importance of cyber resilience and internet safety for young people all year round. Education Scotland’s digital officers provide a range of professional development opportunities to help practitioners explore how they can support young people from the early level to navigate their online life, the risks they may face, and how to overcome these and develop resilience. We will continue to work to ensure that we are providing the support practitioners need to complement the work they are already doing locally.’

 

Dr Natalie Coull, Head of Abertay University’s Division of Cybersecurity said:

‘Embedding strong cybersecurity practises in our schools is absolutely essential and we are delighted to be developing this online module, which will empower teachers to deliver in this area and open up a gateway to the industry for students.

‘Abertay supplies the cybersecurity graduate talent pipeline to Scotland’s businesses, and educational partnerships like this are hugely important to the future success of the sector.’

 

Abertay is leading the £18m cyberQuarter project and was recently confirmed as Scotland’s first University to gain gold-level Academic Centre of Excellence recognition from the National Cyber Security Centre – part of GCHQ.

To study cybersecurity at Abertay visit their programmes pages.