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School Curriculum

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022

Thursday, 3 February 2022

Questions (285)

Richard Bruton

Question:

285. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education the plans in place for extending the number of schools that offer computer science at leaving certificate; the key constraints to rapid expansion; and the steps that are being taken to overcome the obstacles. [5671/22]

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Written answers

The new subject of Leaving Certificate Computer Science (LCCS) was introduced on a phased basis to 40 schools in September 2018. From September 2020, LCCS was available to schools nationally as a full optional subject. The numbers of schools offering the subject is growing. There are currently approximately 145 schools across the country offering this subject to their students.

The approach to the provision of the subject by schools has been informed by the valuable learning gathered from the phased introduction of LCCS since September 2018.

Uniquely, this also included a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Discover funded research project to track the development of progress of teachers of the subject during the first two years of the subject rollout. A Department led group was formed to assist in, and have oversight of, this research study and its findings.

The introduction of this new subject to schools is supported by a Leaving Certificate Computer Science Support Framework. This framework represents a collaboration between the Department of Education, the Computers in Education Society of Ireland (CESI), the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), the Irish Universities Association (IUA), higher education institutions, Ibec, the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA) and SOLAS.

The framework puts in place key actions to promote a broad take-up of the subject at both ordinary and higher level. There is a focus on actions to support greater female participation and greater participation amongst students who would not have traditionally considered subjects like Computer Science for the Leaving Certificate.

For schools who are considering the introduction of LCCS onto their curriculum an “Expression of Interest” process is currently being carried out by the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) to ascertain teachers’ professional learning needs so as to support the effective delivery of the new subject in schools

All of these supports have been designed to ensure there is capacity within the system for long-term, sustainable growth of Leaving Certificate Computer Science.

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