Leaving Certificate Computer Science is a rigorous, problem-solving focused subject that develops students’ ability to think logically, design algorithms, and understand how computational systems work. At ETSS Wicklow, Computer Science combines strong academic foundations with practical programming and project-based learning.
Computer Science is taught as a serious academic discipline — not simply “learning to code”. Students develop deep understanding of how computational solutions are designed, built, tested, and evaluated.
Teaching prioritises clarity, precision, and structured thinking. Students learn to solve problems systematically — from understanding a problem, to designing an algorithm, to implementing and testing a working solution.
Students improve through iteration: writing code, testing it, identifying errors, and refining their approach. Explicit teaching of problem-solving strategies and careful feedback helps students build confidence and independence.
Collaboration is also important — students learn to explain technical ideas, review solutions, and communicate clearly about their reasoning.
Computer Science builds understanding of both how programs are written and why they work. Students engage with core ideas that underpin modern computing and digital systems.
Designing clear procedures for solving problems, then analysing effectiveness and reliability.
Understanding how information is represented, stored, and processed — and how choices affect performance and accuracy.
How hardware and software interact, alongside ethical and societal considerations of computing.
Alongside classroom learning, students engage in meaningful challenges and competitions that strengthen resilience, creativity, and independent problem-solving — all central to success in Computer Science.
ETSS Wicklow students have successfully completed the Astro Pi competition on multiple occasions. Astro Pi is a European space education challenge in which students write programs that run on Raspberry Pi computers aboard the International Space Station.
The school has been recognised through EU Code Week, including 1st place recognition for hosting several live coding activities. EU Code Week is a Europe-wide initiative that promotes coding, computational thinking, and digital creativity through events and learning activities.
Students also extend their learning through cybersecurity and problem-solving competitions such as Capture The Flag (CTF) events, including participation in competitions hosted in University College Dublin. CTF challenges involve solving technical puzzles to uncover hidden “flags”, encouraging logical reasoning, persistence, and creative thinking.
Leaving Certificate Computer Science supports progression into a wide range of further study and careers, while also developing transferable skills valued across all fields.
Logical reasoning, structured problem-solving, and the ability to work through complex tasks systematically.
Debugging, persistence, and confidence in improving work through feedback and iteration.
Strong preparation for computing, engineering, data science, software development, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.
If you have questions about the subject, the coding club, competitions, or how Computer Science supports future pathways, please get in touch with the school.
