Frances Fitzgerald T.D. has announced Computer Science will be introduced as a Leaving Cert subject in Adamstown Community College, Colaiste Bride in Clondalkin and Colaiste Phadraig in Lucan in the coming school year. Leaving Cert students in Colaiste Bride will be give option of studying Physical Education in September.
Commenting on this announcement Deputy Fitzgerald said:
“ I am delighted that young people living locally will be some of the first secondary school pupils in the country to study these new subjects and I have no doubt they will be a popular choice amongst students.
“The Computer Science syllabus for the Leaving Cert will aim to give students a strong foundation in programming languages, digital design and computational thinking. The addition of Computer Science to the Leaving Cert programme is part of our ambition to make Ireland a STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) leader among our European colleagues.
“I am very pleased that Physical Education is being introduced, I hope it will encourage young people to become more physically active and engage in sports. The topics introduced in this new subject will also aim promote teamwork and strategic thinking through a mix of written examination, performance and project work.
“The Department of Education aims to rollout these new subjects nationally in 2020, I am encouraging all Post Primary School in the Dublin Mid-West area to consider introducing these new subjects in the coming years.“