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 educators 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) employer: BlueShift Education, CIC
Contact Detail:
BlueShift Education, CIC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Curriculum Writer / Content Developer (Cybersecurity)
✨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 interest in 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 that highlights your programming projects and any curriculum materials you've developed. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise and creativity, so make it visually appealing and easy to navigate.
✨Tip Number 3
Get involved with online communities! Join forums or social media groups focused on education technology and cybersecurity. Engaging with others in these spaces can lead to job opportunities and collaborations that you might not find elsewhere.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals like you. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your programming background and enthusiasm for creating engaging learning experiences. Let’s close that cybersecurity skills gap together!
We think you need these skills to ace Curriculum Writer / Content Developer (Cybersecurity)
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 your passion for teaching and making complex concepts accessible for students.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to the role by mentioning specific aspects of the job description that excite you. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in what we do.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from 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 programming concepts and cybersecurity topics mentioned in the job description, like cryptography and digital forensics. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can create engaging lesson materials.
✨Showcase Your Programming Skills
Be prepared to discuss your programming background in detail. Bring examples of past projects or lesson plans that highlight your coding skills, especially in languages like Python or JavaScript. If you've designed any Capture the Flag challenges before, definitely mention those as they align perfectly with the role!
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Feedback
Since this role involves working closely with the founder and a design team, highlight your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others to refine educational content or lesson plans. This shows you're a team player and open to feedback, which is crucial for this project.
✨Bring Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Even if you're not a cybersecurity expert, your enthusiasm for the subject can set you apart. Talk about any personal projects, research, or interests related to cybersecurity. This will convey your willingness to learn and apply these concepts in a classroom setting, making you a more appealing candidate.