In addition to their specific content and knowledge, the subjects and short courses of junior cycle provide students with opportunities to develop a range of key skills. This course offers opportunities to support all key skills but some are particularly significant. The examples below identify some of the elements that are related to learning activities in Coding. The 8 key skills are set out in detail in Key Skills of Junior Cycle.

Key skill

Key skill element

Student learning activity

Being creative

Implementing ideas and taking action

Students brainstorm and generate ideas for design and implementation of solutions and projects.

Being literate

Expressing ideas clearly and accurately

Students create a website to display the results of a topic they have researched.

Being numerate

Developing a positive disposition towards investigating, reasoning and problem-solving

Students create short programs which demonstrate their use and understanding of mathematical and computational ideas.

Communicating

Discussing and debating

Students discuss ideas, evaluate the pros and cons of different approaches, and propose possible solutions. They report on projects and provide feedback to others

Managing information and thinking

Thinking creatively and critically

Students explore new and different ways of answering questions and solving problems. They use a variety of tools to access, manage and share information such as flow-charts, design documents, code documentation and bug lists

Managing myself

Setting and achieving personal goals

Students take responsibility for personal learning by setting goals and seeking help when necessary from classmates, the teacher or other appropriate sources, and by reflecting on the feedback they receive.

Staying well

Being safe

Students become aware of the wellness, health and safety issues associated with working with computers, and of practical ergonomic issues regarding the use of computers. Students learn to be responsible, safe and ethical in using digital technology.

Working with others

Co-operating

Students develop good working relationships with others and appreciate the value of respect and cooperation in reaching both collective and personal goals. They learn to appreciate diverse talents and how to engage in collaborative work.