Moate to pilot new Leaving Certificate subject

Moate Community School is among the first schools in the country which will start studying Leaving Certificate Computer Science this year.
Moate, along with Colaiste Mhuire in Mullingar, is among 40 post primary schools selected to take the subject from September.
The move is part of the Government's plans to embed digital technology in teaching and learning.
The announcement was made today by the Education Minister Richard Bruton and was welcomed by local Minister Deputy Kevin 'Boxer' Moran.
Computer Science for Leaving Certificate will focus on how programming and computational thinking can be applied to the solution of problems and how computing technology impacts the world around us.
It will focus on a range of topics including computational thinking, how to analyse problems in computational terms, creative design and programming languages and how to read, write, test and modify computer programs.
Minister Moran said: “This is a very important step forward for recognising the needs of the modern workplace by placing an emphasis at Leaving Cert level on computer skills."
Announcing the new subject, Minister Bruton said: “This is a very exciting time for education in Ireland. There is a digital revolution taking place which is having a transformative effect on our economy, workplace, and lifestyle. In order to be the best in Europe, our education system must respond to these changes. The introduction of this new subject will teach our young people flexible, solution orientated thinking. It will teach them to be creative, adaptable learners. 
“It will increase the number of students taking up computing and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) courses and apprenticeships after school leading to a highly-skilled workforce,” he added.