Sir Jeremy Fleming from GCHQ announces new festive brainteaser
(Picture: PA Archive)The GCHQ has issued its latest brain challenge for pupils.
A festive brainteaser to challenge young minds’ codebreaking skills features on a Christmas card sent by Sir Jeremy Fleming, director of the Cheltenham-based spy agency.
“Puzzlers need to combine a mix of minds to solve the seemingly impossible,” he explains.
The intelligence agency said pupils would need to employ all their skills of lateral thinking, ingenuity and perseverance to be successful.
Have you had a go at the #GCHQChristmasChallenge yet?
— GCHQ (@GCHQ) December 14, 2022
Colin, our Chief Puzzler, shows you how to tackle it.
Download it here ⬇️https://t.co/pXtuimBt8V pic.twitter.com/RlqpSw9RCt
The puzzles are designed to test problem-solving skills in secondary schools across the country.
The Christmas card puzzle features seven different tests challenging pupils’ minds and thinking abilities.
“The puzzles are based on the seven disciplines of languages, engineering, codebreaking, analysis, maths, coding and cyber security – all key skills needed at GCHQ to help keep the country safe,” a spokesperson said.
📣 The 2022 #GCHQChristmasChallenge is here!
— GCHQ (@GCHQ) December 14, 2022
Have you got what it takes to solve our fiendish brainteasers, assemble the @what3words addresses and find the hidden message?
Your time starts now. Good luck! ⬇️ https://t.co/pXtuimBt8V
🧵 1/4
“The puzzle, masterminded by a team of the agency’s in-house puzzlers, features on director GCHQ’s Christmas card,” they added.
The card is sent to partners in the UK and around the world who work with the intelligence, cyber and security agency to counter threats, including hostile state activity, terror groups and organised crime gangs.
The 2022 challenge differs from previous years as once all the puzzles are solved, pupils will then have to use the design on the front of the card to assemble the answer into three locations.
The answer is then revealed once the names of the places are joined together.
“From breaking Enigma to harnessing the latest cutting-edge technology, our brilliant people have worked together throughout our history to help keep the country safe,” said Sir Jeremy.
“This year’s GCHQ Christmas Card Challenge gives an insight into the skills we need every day as part of our mission,” he added.
These are some of the benefits the puzzle challenges have on school children, including hand and eye coordination, motor skills, spatial awareness, cognitive behaviour skills, memory and attention span, self-esteem, and teamwork.
