Royal Grammar School Newcastle teacher wins prestigious CyberFirst Award
We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news from the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle (RGS)!
Jo Lynn, Teacher of Computing and Digital Technology, has been honoured with the prestigious North East CyberFirst Schools Outstanding Teacher Award! This incredible accolade recognises Jo’s exceptional dedication and significant impact on cybersecurity education.
Visionary leadership must always be acknowledged
The CyberFirst programme, an initiative by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), presented this award to celebrate Jo’s inspiring work in encouraging students to explore the exciting and vital world of cybersecurity and digital technology careers.
Thanks to her visionary leadership, RGS has firmly established itself as a leading CyberFirst school in the North East. Jo has been instrumental in developing an engaging and forward-thinking computing curriculum, forging crucial connections with industry professionals, and actively championing national cybersecurity competitions.
Jo’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. She has been a driving force in closing the gender gap in computing, actively encouraging more girls to pursue Computer Science at both GCSE and A-Level.
Her innovative teaching methods, coupled with inviting inspiring female role models to speak to students, have made a real difference. Furthermore, her enthusiastic promotion of the CyberFirst Girls Competition has led to a significant and inspiring increase in female participation.
Unwavering commitment to providing high-quality computing education
The impact of Jo’s work is clearly evident in the words of Benjamin McIvor from CyberFirst, who praised her achievements, stating: “Jo’s dedication to cybersecurity education is outstanding. She has inspired students to explore coding, robotics, and cyber security, fostering a passion for technology and innovation. Her engagement with the CyberFirst programme has strengthened RGS’s position as a leader in computing education.”
Since joining RGS five years ago, Jo has been a pivotal figure in shaping the Computing and Digital Technology department. She has expertly expanded the curriculum to encompass crucial modern topics such as AI, digital ethics, online safety, and the legal aspects of technology.
Under her guidance, RGS achieved the CyberFirst Schools Silver Award in 2021 and the prestigious Gold Award in 2022, a clear demonstration of the school’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality computing education.
Reflecting on this well-deserved recognition, Jo said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to receive this recognition, but more importantly, it highlights the enthusiasm of our students, who embrace every opportunity to explore computing and cybersecurity. We’ve worked hard to grow the department, and it’s fantastic to see more students – especially girls – engaging with the subject and recognising its real-world impact.”
Chris Wilde, Head of Computing at RGS, further emphasised Jo’s transformative impact: “Jo’s passion for computing education is second to none. She has transformed the department, inspiring more students to pursue cybersecurity and digital technology. Her efforts have directly contributed to the growing number of girls studying Computer Science, and she is shaping the future of cyber talent. We are incredibly proud of her achievements.”
Championing the next generation of cyber talent
Looking to the future, RGS, under Jo’s continued guidance, has exciting plans to further develop its computing programmes. This includes the introduction of new qualifications and the establishment of an alumni mentoring network, providing invaluable support and guidance for current students.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Congratulations, Jo, on this fantastic and well-deserved award! Your passion and dedication are truly inspiring and are playing a vital role in shaping the next generation of cybersecurity experts.
“The North East is incredibly proud to have you leading the way in this crucial field.”
RGS Newcastle is a Schools North East Partner School . If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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