St Mary’s Cathedral College partnered with leading cybersecurity specialists, Waterstons, to strengthen students’ understanding of digital safety in an age where artificial intelligence is opening exciting new possibilities. Grounded in the belief that security is a culture, not just a control, this collaboration has empowered students with the knowledge and skills to embrace innovation responsibly, build online resilience, and navigate the evolving digital world with confidence.
Students have been getting a hands-on and exciting education in the world of cybersecurity, thanks to two dedicated professionals from Waterstons. We were delighted to welcome Waterstons Cyber Security Operations Lead, Oliver Baverstock and Director, Craig Archdeacon, who both volunteered their time as part of a fantastic new initiative.
Oliver and Craig weren’t just talking about cybersecurity; they were bringing it to life. They have been working with students in a variety of classes, using interactive and engaging methods to make complex topics accessible and exciting. The students have been incredibly engaged, getting a unique look at how cyber threats work and, more importantly, how to defend against them.
The impact on our students has been tangible. “We learnt about what they did in cybersecurity and applied that knowledge to a board game which was very interesting,” said student, Fionn Nolan. Joel Jijo added, “We also learnt about the profession and the job opportunities available.”
“It’s been hugely rewarding,” says Craig. “The students’ curiosity and engagement have been inspiring, and it’s been great to see them connecting what they learn to real-world opportunities.” Oliver added, “I was first inspired to pursue a career in cybersecurity by the leaders I heard from during my own school years, and now I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back and help inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.”
This program was the brainchild of our very own Mr Adam McNamara, whose vision has provided a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn directly from industry professionals. As Adam puts it, “I wanted students to see the people behind cybersecurity turning a subject and content into reality. By connecting them with industry experts, they’re getting the chance to make real-world connections to their content in an ever-expanding and growing industry. It’s also a chance to explore a rapidly evolving field and, hopefully, spark inspiration for future careers.”
His efforts have created a bridge between the classroom and the professional world, giving our students a head start in a rapidly growing and critical field.
A huge thank you to Oliver Baverstock and Craig Archdeacon for their time, expertise, and passion. Their dedication is helping to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals right here at St Mary’s Cathedral College.