Computer Science

SUBJECT: Religious Education

What is this subject all about at Senior Cycle?

Religious Education at Senior Cycle follows on from Junior Cycle and explores similar topics in a more in-depth study. The major world religions, non-religious traditions, the search for meaning, morality and a more modern optional topic will be covered over the two years of the course.

Will learning this subject at Senior Cycle be different to what I studied at Junior Cycle?

The content covered is similar to Junior Cycle, but students have the option to explore topics more and to choose aspects of topics that are relevant to them to examine further. There is also a journal work project, similar to Junior Cycle, where students choose a topic of interest and perform research on this area.

I will enjoy this subject if…

» You enjoy learning about other cultures and their beliefs. » You want to know more about the societies of the past. » You have an interest in exploring modern moral issues.

I will succeed at this subject if…

» You enjoy giving your informed opinion on a topic. » You have a good basic knowledge of religious and non-religious traditions. » You are willing to read outside the topics covered in class.

This subject will be useful for a career in…

Education, Research, Law, Social Work, Journalism, Politics, Business…etc.

Assessment?

A 2 hr 30 mins exam at the end of 6th Year set by the State Examinations Commission based on the content covered in both 5th and 6th Year. Students also complete a journal work project on a topic of their choosing worth 20% of their overall grade.

SUBJECT: Computer Science

What is this subject all about at Senior Cycle?

This subject is all about problem solving. Computer science is the study of computers and algorithmic processes. Leaving Certificate Computer Science includes how programming and computational thinking can be applied to the solution of problems, and how computing technology impacts the world around us. Over the two years of the course students will learn... » The practices and principles of computer science, such as computational thinking, computers and society, and creative design. » How to analyse problems in computational terms and understand concepts such as abstraction, logic, algorithms, computer systems, data representation and evaluation. » Programming languages and how to read, write, test and modify computer programs. » The process of designing computational artefacts such as web pages, digital animations, simulations, embedded systems etc. » The ethical, historical, environmental and technological aspects of computer science, and how it impacts the social and economic development of society.

Do I have to have studied this subject at Junior Cycle in order to do it at Senior Cycle?

You don’t have to have done any coding before. The course is designed to start at the very beginning.

Will learning this subject at Senior Cycle be different to what I studied at Junior Cycle?

The closest connection to Junior Cycle is the CBA you did in 2nd Year Maths where you identified a problem and found a solution. You will need to complete a number of group tasks called Applied Learning Tasks. You will have done group work before but this will be slightly more formal. If you have done coding before you will be able to build upon your prior knowledge.

I will enjoy this subject if…

» You like working through a problem until you get a satisfactory conclusion. » You are interested in computational programming and coding.

I will succeed at this subject if…

» You are willing to take your own initiative and push yourself to do well. » You are willing to get things wrong, identify your mistakes and fix them yourself. » You are determined to work hard and independently to solve a problem.

This subject will be useful for a career in…

Application Analyst, Applications Developer, Cyber Security Analyst, Data Analyst, Database Administrator, Forensic Computer Analyst, Game Designer, Games Developer, Information Systems Manager, IT Consultant, Software Engineer, Web Designer…etc.

Assessment?

In 6th Year you need to complete a piece of coursework worth 30% of your final grade. You will be well prepared for this as you will have completed four Applied Learning Tasks already with similar expectations. You will do your Leaving Certificate examination, worth 70%, on a Saturday in May. This will involve two parts, a theory exam followed by a programming exam in Python.