The rapidly changing field of bioinformatics is fuelling the need for suitably trained personnel with skills in relevant biological "sub-disciplines" such as proteomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics, etc. But because of the complexity--and sheer weight of data--associated with these new areas of biology, many school teachers feel disenfranchised from this field. And it is precisely this type of biology that is making the headlines and evoking interest amongst lay-people and students alike. Yet by using suitable teaching aids, both teachers and students can engage with this "frontline" area of the subject.