A careers open day – involving the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt and Napier Universities and employers including JP Morgan and BT and aimed at third-year pupils who are studying Standard Grade computing was held at Appleton Tower, Edinburgh.

Schoolchildren had the chance to design computer games, build a robot, and learn how hackers break into computers. They will also get a chance to experiment with the latest advanced computers, as well as meeting employers and young entrepreneurs who are turning their own inventions into businesses.

 Morna Findlay of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics, who organised the event, said: “Pupils and their parents may think computing jobs are leaving the country, but employers across Scotland desperately need talented computing graduates, and Scotland isn’t producing enough of them.

“We hope to encourage pupils to consider a degree in this area, by showing them some of the exciting ideas and cutting-edge technology which they could help to create.”

Getting to the younger crowd
Perhaps the computing message should also be carried lower down the school. 'Computer Science Unplugged' is described as a wacky show devised by Associate Professor Tim Bell of Canterbury University, New Zealand that "takes kids and the young-at-heart through some great ideas in computer science using low-tech games, magic tricks and stories.

"No computers are used, as you learn about the Binary Birthday Cake, the Parity memory trick, and look at why people get frustrated using computers.  There is a  one hour seminar for academics on "Computer Science Unplugged" Might beat a bouncy castle for birthday entertainment!

Web: http://www.inf.ed.ac.uk
: http://www.unplugged.canterbury.ac.nz/ideas/upshow.pdf.