Incentivising students to pursue Computer Science Programmes

Statistics show that the number of students enrolling in technology based degree programmes has dropped dramatically in the past number of years. There are many possible reasons for this, including misconceptions on the nature of the discipline and a media fueled perception of a lack of employment in the field. This paper reports on the design, realisation and assessment of an event designed to encourage transition year (Grade 10 equivalent) students to consider computer science as a viable career choice. It documents how the event was planned and implemented, reports on the staff and student experiences, and provides both objective and subjective assessments of the event and its outcomes