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 potential 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 of coders.
- Qualifications: Strong programming skills and experience in curriculum design for KS3/4 students.
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 Wakefield 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 Wakefield
✨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 that highlights your previous work in curriculum design and programming. Include examples of lesson plans or activities you've developed, especially those that align with hands-on learning and gamified challenges. This will make you stand out when we’re looking for someone to join our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on trends in cybersecurity education. Follow industry news, join forums, and engage with communities focused on teaching coding and cybersecurity. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show us that you're genuinely invested in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are enthusiastic about our mission. Tailor your application to reflect how your skills can contribute to creating engaging, accessible content for students. Let’s work together to close the UK’s cybersecurity skills gap!
We think you need these skills to ace Curriculum Writer / Content Developer (Cybersecurity) in Wakefield
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 looking for materials that make complex concepts accessible!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your content to fit the job description. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission to close the UK’s cybersecurity skills gap.
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!
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 ready to discuss your programming background in detail. Highlight any relevant experience with languages like Python or JavaScript, and prepare examples of how you've applied these skills in educational contexts or curriculum design.
✨Bring Creative Ideas to the Table
Think about innovative ways to gamify learning through Capture the Flag challenges. During the interview, share your ideas on how to scaffold activities for students and make technical concepts accessible and fun.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since you'll be working closely with the founder and the teaching team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share past experiences where teamwork led to successful outcomes, especially in educational settings.
