Mayo girls’ school one of the first to offer computer science as Leaving Cert subject
Mount Saint Michael’s Secondary School, Claremorris, is one of the first girls’ schools in Ireland to offer computer science as a Leaving Cert subject. The school officially launched its computer science programme last week in collaboration with the neighbouring St Colman’s College Claremorris.
Female participation in STEM subjects is extremely low, with girls making up only 27% of those who took the computer science Leaving Cert exam in 2021. Mount Saint Michael’s are now looking to positively impact that number with the class of 2024.
“As educators, one of our goals must be to help develop logical thinking and problem solving skills among our students, and these are very much an integral part of the computer science curriculum,” said principal Ciaran Ryan. “Students of 2022, regardless of field, must be proficient in the use of ICT systems and computer science lends itself very much to this”.
It is not just the girls in Mount Saint Michael that will benefit from this new class. Boys from St Colman’s College will make the short trip to their neighbouring school to benefit from the introduction of computer science in the girls’ school.
Roy Hession, principal of St Colman’s College said: “It is a great privilege for me as principal of St Colman’s college to be here in MSM on such a significant day with our two schools working together collaboratively in the provision of computer science. I would like to thank all involved in the initiative including Mr Stephen Burke the class teacher and the students themselves.”
Teen Turn, a charity which aims to provide teen girls, particularly those from underserved areas, the opportunity to gain hands-on STEM experience are supporting the girls from Mt St Michael as they pursue their computer science course by providing online tuition once a week to them. Teen Turn works with girls to give them the skills they need so they can visualise themselves in those kinds of careers and therefore make third level course choices accordingly.
Joanne Dolan, Teen-Turn co-founder, added: “There can be no equity in education if there isn’t equality in terms of access to facilities, equipment and instruction for girls and boys in the subjects most necessary for participating in the knowledge economy. By working together, these two schools are demonstrating how 21st century learning can be undertaken in rural and remote areas. We are delighted to be able to contribute to this valuable initiative.”
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