CyberFirst Girls Competition Success: How Our Prize Money is Helping Computer Science at HBS

Last year, our Year 9 students took part in the CyberFirst Girls Competition when they were in Year 8. The competition is a national challenge where students answer exciting cybersecurity questions while working together in teams. 100 students from the year group voluntarily participated, forming teams and competing against hundreds of schools across the country.

Thanks to their incredible efforts, HBS was named the top returning school, winning £1,500. Special congratulations go to Sophie D (9W), Linh L (9W), Sophie C (9W) and Samhitha N (9W), who formed the team “The Original Penguins”. They achieved first place out of over 1,000 teams across the UK, bringing an additional £500 prize to the school.

The Computer Science department, together with the Headteacher, carefully discussed how the £2,000 could be spent to benefit all students studying Computer Science at HBS, now and in the future. Here is what was bought and how it will help:

• BBC micro:bit – Generation 2 (Class Pack)

A micro:bit is a small, pocket-sized computer you can programme to do lots of things, like display messages, make games, control lights, or sense movement. Each class receives a pack, allowing all students to work on projects together and learn coding in an exciting way. Generation 2 micro:bits have major upgrades, including a built-in speaker, touch-sensitive logo for creative projects, better electronics interactivity, and longer battery life.

• BBC micro:bit Wearable Accessory

These accessories let students turn their micro:bits into wearable gadgets, such as watches, badges, or simple games, making computing projects even more creative and hands-on.

• Crocodile Leads (Alligator Clips with 150mm Leads)

These clips let students connect electronics easily, helping them explore circuits and physical computing safely.

• RGB LED for micro:bit

These colourful LED lights allow students to create fun displays, animations, and projects with their micro:bits. They make coding interactive and fun!

• Protector Case for the BBC micro:bit (Generation 2)

These cases protect the micro:bits from bumps and scratches, keeping them safe while students learn to code.

We are thrilled that this prize will enhance learning for generations of students at HBS, making Computer Science even more fun and accessible.

A huge congratulations to our current Year 9s for their historic success — your hard work and talent have not only brought national recognition but will also leave a lasting impact on future students