Cheadle Hulme Students Triumph in Cyber Security Challenge with Innovative App
Four talented students from St James' Catholic High School in Cheadle Hulme have emerged victorious in a practical cyber security competition, securing the top prize with their forward-thinking solution to a pressing digital dilemma.
A Timely Solution for Modern Concerns
The teenagers, Scarlett, Jaxon, Charlie, and Cora, all studying BTEC digital information technology, developed an age verification application designed to integrate seamlessly with popular social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. Their concept addresses a widespread parental worry by proposing a system where users verify their age just once, with that information then shared securely across multiple online services.
The innovative proposal simplifies the sign-up process significantly while enhancing security, ensuring that personal details are not repeatedly entered and reducing the risk of false information.
The Callsign Challenge: Fostering Real-World Skills
The competition, known as the Callsign Challenge, brought together student teams from state schools across five boroughs in Greater Manchester. Over a three-month period, Year 10 pupils collaborated in small groups to tackle scenarios inspired by genuine business problems faced by Callsign, a company specialising in digital identity verification and fraud prevention.
Each team received guidance from a company mentor, adopting specific roles such as product lead, developer, and marketing lead to craft a practical solution. The project culminated in a live final event at the HOME arts centre in Manchester, where students pitched their ideas to an audience of industry professionals.
Student and Educator Reactions
Scarlett, aged 14 and a member of the winning team, explained their concept: "We suggested creating an app where you register your personal details so they can be used by other companies to create accounts safely and securely. Other companies would partner with us and use our app when customers want to create an account." She added that this approach guarantees accurate information and prevents age misrepresentation, streamlining the process for everyone involved.
Her teammate Jaxon, also 14, shared his experience: "I really enjoyed the challenge, especially designing the app. The presentation was very nerve-wracking but also exciting, and I was really happy when we won."
Dominique Rarity, careers lead at St James' Catholic High, praised the initiative: "This challenge was a fantastic opportunity for the pupils to gain experience in the cyber security industry whilst working as part of a team. I was so proud watching them present their solution to industry leaders and other schools."
Industry and Organisational Perspectives
The challenge was led by Chris Hutton, Callsign's VP of customer integration, who attended Stockport School and Aquinas College. He commented: "The Callsign Challenge has supported young people to build teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills, developing the ability to present an idea and showing real-world relevance by responding to our brief. It has also helped to give them insight into the tech industry and roles within it."
He noted that the teams produced highly innovative solutions to questions like how to verify age without making sign-ups cumbersome, stating that while all entries were impressive, St James' Catholic High School deservedly claimed the title.
Fran Kennedy, founder of StateTalking, the organisation that partnered with Callsign for the event, emphasised its mission: "StateTalking is about levelling the playing field and offering state school pupils the kinds of experiences and connections that are often only available to young people at independent schools. Whether we're sending relatable, inspirational speakers into Greater Manchester schools, or partnering with businesses to create opportunities like the Callsign Challenge, everything we do is about elevating the experiences available to state educated students."
Rewards and Future Opportunities
As champions, the students not only took home a trophy but have also been invited to spend a day with Callsign founder Zia Hayat and his team at the company's Manchester office. This prize offers invaluable exposure to the professional tech environment.
Businesses interested in partnering on similar events, or primary and secondary schools and colleges seeking free inspirational speakers, are encouraged to contact StateTalking via email at info@statetalking.org.
