Rationale

The accelerated expansion of computing technologies and artificial intelligence into all our lives means students need to understand the principles of computer science now, more than at any other time. It is necessary for all students to understand the ethical and social role of computers in society. Computer science is the foundation of this change and so the study of Computer Science at Leaving Certificate has become highly relevant to almost all aspects of modern life, and to every career choice. Computer Science is the foundation, information technology is the application and digital literacy is the implication of computing technologies. Computational thinking is one of the most fundamental skills acquired through the study of computer science. It shares the characteristics of other sciences, such as problem solving, abstraction and logical reasoning. However, computational thinking involves the implementation of solutions using automation, programming and computer systems. Students studying this subject will gain both thinking and practical skills that are valuable well beyond the computer science classroom and are applicable in many contexts.