The Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) is one of the UK’s three spy agencies, specialising in gaining intelligence from communications and protecting UK citizens from groups and countries who wish to do harm financially.
Naturally, as a world-leading intelligence, cyber and security agency, it attracts some of the brightest brains. It has analysts to produce intelligence reports, specialist mathematicians, linguists, and a large number of technical staff.
In order to keep themselves sharp, staff at GCHQ design, create and solve puzzles on the regular. It has revealed this helps “develop their skills in thinking differently and discover new and inventive ways of approaching problems”.
“Whilst this does not mean that staff at GCHQ spend their time putting together jigsaws and filling out crosswords, it does ensure that we attract colleagues who enjoy spending their time creating and solving puzzles,” the agency added.
Puzzles have even made appearances in some of their recruitment campaigns, encouraging people to show off their problem-solving skills to qualify for an interview.
These puzzles and brain teasers are made available for the public to try on the GCHQ website and on the social media platform X. The organisation has even published two puzzle books, the sales from which were donated to mental health charity Heads Together.
What is the GCHQ Christmas Challenge?
Every year, GCHQ also publishes a special festive challenge for 11 to 18-year-olds. It comprises a downloadable PDF with brainteasers and puzzles, designed by the GCHQ crew, and is typically worked on in schools.
The puzzles are not designed to be solved alone and therefore encourage children not only to think laterally, but also as a team.
This year’s quiz will be available to the public on Wednesday, December 11. The answers will subsequently be made available online.
Schools can register now to get early access and materials to help take on the challenge.
Last year’s Christmas quiz featured seven complex puzzles, designed to reveal a festive message when solved. It is available on the GCHQ website for those who want to warm up.
