National Cipher Challenge

For anyone interested in learning about writing or decoding secret messages this is quite interesting:

www.cipherchallenge.org/

The ciphers used are mostly those in use prior to the Second World War.

There are tutorials on the website.

The target audience is A Level students and the prizes are for those registered through their school, however anyone can register and have a go at the ciphers (but you won't be eligible for the prizes).

It starts on Oct 9th, as I've had a go at it before I haven't decided yet if I'll do it again this year.

Edit: I just thought I'd add that you should be able to complete quite a few of the challenges by just using pen, paper and some online tools (the later challenges will need some simple computer programming)

Parents
  • I've decided to have a go at it this year and have registered (you need to register as a teacher if you aren't in the correct age category and doing it through a school).

    For anyone who is thinking of having a go there are a couple of introductory ciphers to have a go at before the competition starts, the first one is just clicking on the direction you want a cipher wheel to rotate until the text becomes readable, the second one is a bit harder, but isn't too difficult and although I haven't clicked on the "tips" link I gather it gives you the answer.

Reply
  • I've decided to have a go at it this year and have registered (you need to register as a teacher if you aren't in the correct age category and doing it through a school).

    For anyone who is thinking of having a go there are a couple of introductory ciphers to have a go at before the competition starts, the first one is just clicking on the direction you want a cipher wheel to rotate until the text becomes readable, the second one is a bit harder, but isn't too difficult and although I haven't clicked on the "tips" link I gather it gives you the answer.

Children
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