Can you solve GCHQ’s Christmas puzzle?
If you fancy yourself a budding spy, GCHQ’s Christmas challenge will put your analytical skills to the test.
The UK spy agency, which runs an annual quiz for children aged 11 to 18, has created seven brainteasers and worked with schoolchildren on Christmas card designs to celebrate its tenth anniversary.
More than 500 school children participated in the competition to design the cover of the card. They were asked: “What do you think GCHQ looks like on Christmas Day?” and was additionally tasked with adding secret codes and puzzles.
Three winning designs were chosen: Haoran, a year 8 pupil at Wilson School in Mariia, London, Amelie, a year 10 pupil at Henry Beaufort School in Winchester, and Amelie, a year 12 pupil at South Wilts Grammar School in Salisbury.
Alongside schoolchildren’s designs, GCHQ’s in-house puzzlers have created a new set of seven puzzles for the back of the card, designed to test a range of problem-solving skills, including intuitive reasoning and creativity.
Puzzles test code-breaking, math and analysis, and skills like lateral thinking, creativity, and perseverance. GCHQ said brainteasers required different ways of thinking and groups were encouraged to work together to come up with a final festive message using the front of the card.
GCHQ director Anne Keast-Butler said: “Puzzles are at the heart of GCHQ’s work to protect the country from hostile states, terrorists and criminals, challenging our teams to think creatively and analytically every day.
“I’m delighted that this year’s Christmas challenge combines puzzles created by our own experts with wonderful designs from schoolchildren across the country.
“It was a pleasure to judge the competition alongside GCHQ’s chief puzzler, Colin. The winning designs beautifully reflected what GCHQ thought Christmas Day looked like and included some clever codes and ciphers.
“I hope this challenge inspires future generations to explore Stem subjects and consider rewarding careers in cybersecurity and intelligence. Who knows, some of these talented schoolchildren may be solving our own puzzles in the future.”
GCHQ’s chief puzzler, known only as Colin, added: “This year’s Christmas challenge features seven puzzles designed to test everything from code-breaking and mathematical analysis to lateral thinking and creativity – the same mix of skills our teams use every day to keep the country safe.
“We designed the puzzles so that no one will find them all easy! Some suit analytical minds, while others require creative breakthroughs or perseverance. This is entirely intentional; we want groups of classmates, families and friends to work together, combining their different strengths to come up with the ultimate holiday message.”
You can download this year’s Christmas card from: GCHQ.gov.uk. Answers will be published on Wednesday at 21.00.
