Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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239. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if students in non-pilot schools of the computer science course will be allowed to sit the exam for computer science in 2021 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4777/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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Leaving Certificate Computer Science (LCCS) was introduced on a phased basis from September 2018 in 40 schools. The 40 schools involved in the phase 1 rollout of this new subject were selected following an open call to all schools inviting them to express their interest in providing LCCS.

Access to LCCS during phase 1 of the subject’s implementation is limited to students attending timetabled Computer Science classes in the 40 phase 1 schools. LCCS is operating to a 2-cycle phased introduction model with access restricted to designated schools for the first two leaving certificate examination cohorts, in 2020 and in 2021. The rationale for this is based on several key requirements i.e.:

- a need to ensure that all students sitting the examination have had access to the available supports and relevant teaching and learning methodologies;

- all students taking the subject will have had significant teacher oversight throughout the completion of their coursework components, which must then be confirmed and countersigned by the principal of each school where students have taken Computer Science. The new specification will have two assessment components at each level, an end-of-course examination (70%) and coursework (30%);

- to ensure that focused training is provided for teachers who are delivering the subject in the classroom;

- the system’s need to learn from the ongoing experience of these teachers and adapt training and supports as required.

In addition, LCCS is underpinned by collaboration and working with others, it aims to develop and foster the learner’s creativity and problem solving, along with their ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

It is for these reasons that only students attending regular classes in phase 1 schools and completing the coursework component under the supervision of their teacher will be eligible to enter for examination in LCCS in 2020 and 2021.

Please note that this position was communicated to all post primary schools via circulars 83/2018 and 61/2019. These circulars can be accessed here: