Art loving students may also have a passion for computer coding

Students with a passion for art might be surprised to find they may also love computer coding, says the principal of a girls school that started coding classes last year.

Under Department of Education plans, computer science is be offered as a Leaving Cert subject to fifth-year students from September next year. This follows rising demand from the IT industry and fears about skills shortages.

Presentation Girls Secondary School in Waterford began offering coding classes to transition-year students last year and at least a third of the students fell in love with the subject. Class projects included building a Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens galaxy using computer code. Principal Adrian Gibbs believes students should have the opportunity to try coding, as many will be surprised at how much they enjoy it.