John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

202. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to list the 40 schools that are under the first phase of the introduction of computer science as a new leaving certificate subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5799/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is our aim to become the best education and training system in Europe by 2026 and to do this we need to expand our pool of people with digital skills and capabilities. My Action Plan for Education includes an action to introduce Computer Science as an optional new Leaving Certificate subject introduced in two phases. Phase 1 will see the introduction of the subject in a representative sample of 40 schools from September 2018 (present at the launch today). Phase 2 will see the subject being available as an option to all schools from September 2020.

The introduction of Computer Science as a Leaving Certificate subject is part of the Government’s overall commitment to embed digital technology in teaching and learning. The society our children will grow up in, will be one which has been fundamentally transformed by new technology. Our education system must prepare our children to thrive in such an environment by equipping them with skills in creativity, adaptability and problem solving.

On 4 January 2018 I announced that 40 post primary schools around the country will start studying Leaving Certificate Computer Science from this September and will be the first to sit an exam in the subject in 2020.

List of schools participating:

School Name and Address

Abbey Vocational School, The Glebe, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

Adamstown Community College, Station Rd, Adamstown, Co. Dublin

Breifne College, Cootehill Rd, Cavan, Co. Cavan

Bush Post Primary, Riverstown, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Carrigaline Community School, Waterpark, Carrigaline, Co. Cork

Castleblayney College, Dublin Road, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan

Christ King Girls Secondary School, Half Moon Lane, South Douglas Road, Cork

Clongowes Wood College, Clane, Co. Kildare

Coláiste an Chraoibhin, Duntaheen Road, Fermoy, Co. Cork

Coláiste Bríde, New Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Coláiste Chiaráin, Croom, Co. Limerick

Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

Coláiste na Ríochta, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Colaiste Phadraig, Roselawn, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Coláiste Pobail Setanta, Phibblestown CC, Phibblestown, Dublin 15

Creagh College, Carnew Road, Gorey, Co. Wexford

Dominican College, Sion Hill Sion Hill, Blackrock, Co Dublin

Ennistymon Vocational School, Ennistymon, Ennis, Co. Clare

Gaelcholaiste Mhuire, AG An Mhainistir Thuaidh, Corcaigh

Le Chéile Secondary School, Hollystown Road, Tyrellstown, Dublin 15

Loreto College, Swords, Co. Dublin

Luttrellstown Community College, Mill Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Mayfield Community School, Old Youghal Road, Mayfield, Cork

Moate Community School, Church Street, Moate, Co. Westmeath

Mount Sion CBS, Barrack Street, Waterford

Mount Temple Comprehensive, Malahide Road, Dublin 3

Presentation Secondary school, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Rice College, Castlebar Road, Westport, Co. Mayo

Sacred Heart Secondary School, Convent of Mercy, Clonakilty, Co. Cork

Saint Eunan's College, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

St Aidan's Comprehensive School, Cootehill, Co. Cavan

St Brigids Mercy Secondary School, Convent Of Mercy, Tuam, Co. Galway

St Joseph's Secondary School, Convent Lane, Rush, Co. Dublin

St Mary's CBS, Millpark Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

St Vincent's Secondary School, Seatown Place, Dundalk, Co. Louth

St. Finian's Community College, Swords, Co. Dublin

Stratford College, 1 Zion Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6

Synge St CBS, Synge St., Dublin 8

Terenure College, Templeogue Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W.