Have fun with GCHQ’s special code-cracking Christmas challenge

Students and staff have been enjoying a special code-cracking challenge published by GCHQ, based in Cheltenham.  It consists of a series of tasks aimed at different age groups.  In reality, Maths teachers found that students in all years preferred to start with the easiest task, aimed at 11-12 year olds, and work down towards the hardest task, aimed at 17-18 year olds. You can download the challenge HERE.

Scott Lunn, Head of Maths, said: “This is one of the best themed resources that has come out recently to schools.  Students were easily engaged in this challenging task and it was impressive how many of them found their way through all the problems as well as finding the overall message at the end.  I hope that, by sharing this same task with the wider school community, parents and carers may share this enjoyment over the Christmas break with their children!”