Digital Future Days: Retro Gaming (11-14 years)

Digital Future Days - Ignite the Tech Leaders of Tomorrow

Are you ready to inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts and ignite their passion for digital skills? Join us for Digital Future Days at The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC), a thrilling series of educational events designed exclusively for school and home-educator groups, bridging the gap between employers and future employees in the dynamic world of technology.

About the Event:

Digital Future Days is an exciting initiative hosted by TNMOC, dedicated to empowering school-age learners with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the digital era. Through a series of engaging events held throughout the year, we provide a unique opportunity for students and educators to explore and develop desirable digital skills while connecting with industry leaders with the added bonus of all the benefits of immersion in heritage.

Event Highlights:

Inspiring Talks by Industry Leaders: Learn from seasoned professionals and industry experts who are at the forefront of technological advancements. Gain insights into the world of tech, discover exciting career paths, and find out how you can make a difference in the digital landscape.

Hands-on Workshops: Immerse yourself in interactive workshops where you can put your digital skills to the test. From coding challenges to virtual reality experiences, our hands-on activities promise to be both educational and fun!

Networking Opportunities: Meet and connect with like-minded peers, educators, and tech enthusiasts. Network with industry professionals and build connections that could pave the way for your future tech journey.

Empowering Digital Futures: Digital Future Days is not just about technical skills; it's about nurturing critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. We believe in empowering young minds to become the changemakers of tomorrow.

Event Details:

Time: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Registration begins at 9:30 AM)

Location: The National Museum of Computing, Bletchley Park, Block H, Bletchley Park, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6DS

Ticket Options: Tickets are available for school and home-educator groups (limited availability; max. 40 per academic institution, register early to secure your spot).

Experience History in Action: Discover the captivating world of technology within TNMOC's historic Bletchley Park setting. Immerse yourself in an unparalleled interactive learning experience, surrounded by our unique collection of working historic machines.

Sample Schedule for the Day*:

09:30 - 10:00; Registration and Welcome

10:00 - 10:40; Industry Guest - tbc

10:45 - 11:25; Codename Cipher I or II

11:30 - 12:10; Text-based adventure games

12:15 - 12:55; Lunch

13:00 - 13:40; Gaming/shop

13:45 - 14:25; Minecraft

14:30 - 15:10; BBC Basic

15:15 - 15:30; Closing Remarks and Group Photo

15:30 - 16:00; Optional self-guided exploration

Codename Cipher I or II: For groups facing the choice between Codename Cipher I - The Bombe and Codename Cipher II - Lorenz, embark on a captivating journey through the realms of cryptography and computing. Codename Cipher I offers an immersive exploration into the Enigma machine's origins, while Codename Cipher II delves deeper into encryption techniques and the emergence of early computing. Whether opting for the introductory adventure or the more complex exploration, prepare for an enlightening experience that merges history, technology, and problem-solving into a single captivating narrative.

Text-based adventure games: Embark on a journey into the world of early digital game design. Dive into the fundamentals as you craft your own immersive adventures using Basic programming on a functioning 80s BBC Micro. Delve into storytelling, logic, and creativity as you bring your virtual worlds to life, all while experiencing the authentic charm of retro computing. Join us for an exploration of imagination and innovation, where the possibilities are limited only by your creativity.

Gaming/shop: Embark on a captivating journey through 40 years of gaming evolution! Take a break and explore our extensive collection of retro games consoles, rediscovering iconic classics and witnessing the remarkable transformation of gaming technology. From nostalgic pixelated wonders to cutting-edge graphics, experience the magic of gaming's journey over the decades. Immerse yourself in vintage arcades and beloved home consoles, reliving cherished memories of the past. And don't miss the chance to visit our museum shop, where unique gaming memorabilia awaits. Join us for a time-traveling adventure celebrating the joy of gaming and the incredible progress it has brought to the world of entertainment.

Minecraft: Welcome to a thrilling adventure where Minecraft meets education. In this engaging session, we'll introduce you to the exciting realm of computing through the immersive world of Minecraft. Discover the endless possibilities of learning and creativity as we introduce basic computing skills; using a mouse and keyboard. Unleash your imagination, embrace collaboration, and embark on a journey that combines fun and learning like never before. Join us as we unlock the potential of Minecraft for education and ignite your passion for computing!

BBC Basic: Get ready to transport back in time to the iconic 80s era with our thrilling workshop! Join us as we dive into nostalgia and program the legendary game of Snake using BBC Basic on authentic BBC Micro computers. Embrace the simplicity and charm of retro gaming as we unleash your creativity to design and code your very own version of Snake. The classic green screen and vintage hardware provide the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable coding adventure. Channel your inner programmer and embark on an exciting journey, bringing the golden age of gaming back to life in our retro 80s classroom!

Plus special guests from industry to be confirmed nearer the time...

*Schedule is subject to change dependent on uptake and partner engagement, updates will be shared with registered participants. The order of activities will vary on the day.

Join us for an unforgettable experience as we embark on a journey of digital discovery and innovation. Reserve your group's spot for Digital Future Days and be a part of shaping the future of technology!

IMPORTANT: Terms and Conditions

Spaces are limited. The capacity for this event is 120 students.

The event name details the suggested age of participants, please check to ensure your learners fall within the suggested age group.

Schools must give 2 months' notice if they will not be attending; this will enable their places to be offered to another school on the Waiting List. Failure to do so will incur a charge of £160.00.

Host or Publisher tnmoc