At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging cybersecurity curriculum for 14-15 year-olds, focusing on hands-on programming activities.
- Company: Join Kita, an innovative AI-enabled coding platform transforming education.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, creative project opportunities, and national impact.
- Other info: Collaborate with a passionate team and see your work implemented in schools.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cybersecurity education and inspire the next generation.
- Qualifications: Strong programming skills and experience in curriculum design for KS3/4.
Contract type: Freelance / Short-term contract
Duration: Approx. 12–18 hours of lesson materials (6 weeks of classes)
Location: Remote (with optional London-based collaboration for pilots)
Description
We are seeking a Content Writer / Curriculum Developer / Subject Matter Expert with a strong background in computer programming to create a 12–18 hour curriculum unit for 14–15 year-old students (Key Stage 3/4).
The focus is on hands-on, programming-based cybersecurity activities—not just online safety. While you do not need to be a cybersecurity expert, you should have a solid foundation in coding and an enthusiasm for applying programming skills to real-world contexts like cryptography, digital forensics, and web challenges.
The curriculum will be structured around gamified Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges, scaffolded for accessibility, and designed to help students build confidence and skills for progression into GCSE Computing, CyberFirst programmes, and future career pathways.
About Us
This project is part of Kita, a new AI-enabled online coding platform built specifically for schools. It is being trialled in London schools in partnership with BlueShift Education. Following the pilot, the curriculum unit will be made freely available nationwide as part of Kita’s offering.
Our mission is to close the UK’s cybersecurity skills gap by providing accessible, classroom-ready, programming-focused content that can be delivered by both specialist and non-specialist teachers.
Responsibilities
- Devise and design 12–18 hours of structured lesson content (lesson plans, student activities, teacher notes, assessment rubrics). You will work closely with our founder, Heather Lyons, for guidance .
- Develop hands-on Capture the Flag challenges that apply programming skills to areas like cryptography, web exploitation, and digital forensics.
- Scaffold activities for KS3 students (14–15 years old), progressing from beginner-friendly coding challenges to more advanced applications.
- Build in opportunities for teamwork, competition, and gamified learning.
- Align materials with UK curriculum frameworks (KS3/4 Computing, GCSE Computer Science, CyberFirst).
- Ensure activities run effectively in a browser-based coding environment (Kita), with safe sandboxing for student use.
- Collaborate with our design and teaching team to test and refine activities during the London pilot.
Essential
- Strong programming background (e.g. Python, JavaScript, or similar).
- Experience in curriculum design, teaching, or educational content development at KS3/4 level.
- Ability to create engaging, age-appropriate learning materials that make technical concepts accessible.
- Excellent written communication skills.
- Interest in cybersecurity and a willingness to research/apply cybersecurity concepts through programming tasks.
Desirable
- Familiarity with cybersecurity topics (cryptography, ethical hacking, digital forensics).
- Experience designing or running Capture the Flag challenges.
- Knowledge of UK secondary Computing curricula (GCSE, T-Level, CyberFirst).
- Experience working with collaborative coding platforms.
Why join us?
- Apply your programming and curriculum design skills to an exciting, real-world context.
- Help build the next generation of cybersecurity learning for UK schools.
- See your materials piloted in London schools and then made available nationwide.
- Flexible, creative project work with the potential for national impact.
Curriculum Writer / Content Developer (Cybersecurity) in Worcester employer: BlueShift Education, CIC
At Kita, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that values creativity and flexibility in the workplace. As a Curriculum Writer / Content Developer, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of cybersecurity education while collaborating with passionate professionals in a supportive remote environment. Our commitment to closing the UK’s cybersecurity skills gap means you will be part of a meaningful mission, with opportunities for personal growth and the chance to see your work make a national impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Curriculum Writer / Content Developer (Cybersecurity) in Worcester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and cybersecurity fields. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about sharing your passion for curriculum development. You never know who might have a lead on a project or opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous work in curriculum design or programming. Include examples of lesson plans, activities, or even gamified challenges you've developed. This will give potential collaborators a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—engage! When you find a role that excites you, take the time to research the company and its mission. Tailor your approach by mentioning how your skills align with their goals, especially in making cybersecurity accessible for students. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to close the UK’s cybersecurity skills gap. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Curriculum Writer / Content Developer (Cybersecurity) in Worcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your programming background and any relevant experience in curriculum design. We want to see how your skills can bring our cybersecurity curriculum to life!
Be Engaging and Clear:When writing your application, keep it engaging and easy to read. Use clear language that reflects the age group you'll be teaching. Remember, we’re all about making complex concepts accessible!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to our project by mentioning specific aspects of the job description that excite you. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for this role at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and stands out to us!
How to prepare for a job interview at BlueShift Education, CIC
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the curriculum requirements for Key Stage 3/4. Familiarise yourself with the specific topics like cryptography and digital forensics, and think about how you can make these concepts engaging for 14–15 year-olds.
✨Showcase Your Programming Skills
Be prepared to discuss your programming background in detail. Highlight any experience you have with languages like Python or JavaScript, and think of examples where you've applied these skills in educational contexts or curriculum design.
✨Bring Ideas for Gamified Learning
Since the role involves creating Capture the Flag challenges, come to the interview with a few ideas for gamified activities. This shows your creativity and understanding of how to engage students through competition and teamwork.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As you'll be creating materials for both teachers and students, it's crucial to showcase your written communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you would make complex technical concepts accessible and engaging for a younger audience.
