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Session 7.04

Tracks
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Friday, June 20, 2025
1:55 PM - 2:55 PM
Arbour level A1

Overview

Bridging the cybersecurity skills gap: Practical pathways for schools


Details

This session is suitable for: All Bring a laptop to this session – no specific software required.


Speaker

Mr Simon Woolley
General Manager
Edtech Group

Bridging the Cybersecurity Skills Gap: Practical Pathways for Schools

Presentation description

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing career sectors in Australia, with more than 30,000 roles expected to remain unfilled by 2026. The Queensland Government has announced that cybersecurity will be embedded into the Digital Technologies curriculum from 2026 - an important step toward preparing students for future work.
However, many teachers - especially those in generalist or design and technologies roles - express concern about how to deliver this content without a technical background. This presentation addresses that gap by offering a clear, practical, and accessible approach to teaching cybersecurity in Years 5 - 10.

Participants will explore curriculum-aligned approaches that integrate cybersecurity into existing units using student-friendly platforms and real-world scenarios, without requiring coding or computer science expertise from teachers.

Key discussion points will include:
- How to embed core cybersecurity concepts using engaging, age-appropriate tools such as Minecraft Cyber and unplugged classroom challenges.
- Examples of how cybersecurity can be taught within the scope of current Digital Technologies content, aligned with Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum.
- Pathways that connect learning with national student challenges and industry-recognised VET qualifications, helping schools strengthen their careers education offerings.
- Options for teacher support and professional learning to build confidence in delivering emerging tech content.

This session is designed to support teachers, curriculum leaders, and school decision-makers looking for practical classroom strategies that align with QCAA goals while helping students explore high-demand career pathways in cybersecurity and digital technologies.

Biography

Simon Woolley is the General Manager at Junior Engineers, an Australian EdTech company delivering future-focused STEM and digital technologies programs to students nationwide. With a strong understanding of the education landscape and a passion for supporting teachers, Simon is focused on helping schools introduce practical, future-focused learning experiences — particularly in cybersecurity, coding, and AI. He collaborates with curriculum leaders to align Junior Engineers’ offerings with the Australian Curriculum, ensuring content is accessible, relevant, and classroom-ready. Simon and the EdTech Group are committed to breaking down barriers for teachers who may feel under-resourced or under-confident in digital technologies, and they advocate for hands-on, inclusive learning that inspires the next generation to thrive in a tech-driven world.
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