Hebburn cadet finishes top of her class in military cyber conflict course

Cadet Bethany Sanderson, from Hebburn, came top of the class on a national Cyber Defenders Course with the British Army’s Royal Signals Regiment.

Bethany, a Year 11 pupil at Jarrow School, says she hopes to develop a career in computer science over the coming years.

Beth travelled all the way to Blandford Forum in Dorset for the programme.

“It was an excellent course,” Beth said.

"I learnt a lot about cyber warfare. I made loads of new friends from across the country. The course was great fun.”Taught primarily through hands-on labs and exploratory learning, the course covered such ground as the ‘Internet of Things’, open-source intelligence, data analytics, web development, cryptography, and networking, along with cyber safety, legal considerations, ethics and integrity.

According to a Royal Signals chief, the skills Beth acquired and honed through the programme would help equip her and others tackle a number of challenges commonly encountered by 21st-century combatants working in the field.

Major Nigel Metcalf said: “Tackling a range of complex challenges - the very same challenges that presented to soldiers who are already cyber trained - with confidence, enthusiasm and skill.

"Bethany did really well and I hope other cadets will take up the fantastic opportunities we offer in the future.”

Beth also said that the experience was ‘eye-opening’.

She added: “This course has opened my eyes about how I can apply what I have used at school.

"I am looking at opportunities for apprenticeships with the army as well as university.”

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today.

Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.