The Department of Education is providing grants to post-primary schools to support rollout of new Leaving Certificate subjects this September, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell has said.
Computer Science and Physical Education will be on the curriculum for the Leaving Certificate for the first time to make sure that our education system keeps pace with our changing society and the evolving needs of our economy.
Deputy Farrell said: “I am delighted that four local schools are taking part in the roll out of new Leaving Cert subjects.
“Education is vitally important and needs to keep pace with the changing needs of our society.
“I am delighted to see that Portmarnock Community School, Loreto College, Swords, St. Finian’s Community College, Swords, and St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush will receive funding to assist in this rollout.
“Loreto College, Swords, St. Finian’s Community College, Swords and St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush will each receive €3,000 each to support the roll-out of Computer Science in each of these schools.
“Portmarnock Community College will receive their grant as part of the roll-out of PE as a Leaving Certificate subject based on how many students participate in the subject. These figures will not be available until after September.
“The introduction of Physical Education as a full examinable Leaving Certificate subject reflects the priority this government puts on promoting healthy lifestyles and choices.
“The introduction of Computer Science as a Leaving Certificate subject is part of our ambition to make Ireland a STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) leader among our European colleagues.
Minister for Education, Richard Bruton said: We know how important it is to be physically active and engage in sports, not only for our physical health but also as a means to encourage team building, develop confidence and for our mental health.
“The grants being issued to schools, from this September will complement other recent grants given to schools to support them in embedding digital technology in teaching and learning – €30m in ICT grants was provided to all schools recently, building on the €30m which we issued last year. We have committed to a €150m investment in ICT infrastructure over the next 3 years,” the Fine Gael Minister said.