What we do
A national programme built for Irish classrooms
What is BEACONS?
What is BEACONS?
BEACONS stands for Bebras for Engagement and Advancement of Computational reasoning Skills.
The project has been developed to help teachers introduce computational thinking skills in practical and engaging ways. These skills can support learning across many subjects, not just computer science or technology.
Through teacher consultation, resource development, and direct engagement with students, BEACONS will help students build skills in problem-solving, creative/critical thinking, and the development of logical solutions to problems which they can apply both in and outside of the classroom.
Skills that support learning across the curriculum
Skills that support learning across the curriculum
Computational thinking helps students learn how to approach problems clearly and confidently. It encourages them to break complex tasks into smaller parts, identify patterns, test ideas and develop solutions.
These skills are valuable in STEM subjects, but they are also useful in areas such as literacy, geography, business, art, design and everyday decision-making.
By supporting computational thinking in schools, BEACONS helps students to develop skills that are relevant to learning, future study, future careers, and their everyday lives
What BEACONS aims to achieve
What BEACONS aims to achieve
BEACONS has been established to:
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Promote and enhance computational thinking education in primary and secondary schools .
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Support teachers with practical resources and needs-based training.
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Increase participation in the Bebras competition across Ireland.
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Engage schools and communities that may have had fewer opportunities to access STEM initiatives.
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Provide educational content that can be used in classroom settings by both students and teachers
Co-creating practical classroom supports
Teachers play a central role in the BEACONS project. Their experience, insight and feedback will help ensure that resources are useful, realistic and relevant for classroom use.
The project supports teachers through training, downloadable resources, project updates and events.
Teacher participation helps shape the development of materials that are suitable for different school contexts and student age groups.
Making problem-solving engaging and accessible
BEACONS is designed to help students see computational thinking as enjoyable, creative and useful.
The project supports participation in the Bebras competition and introduce students to problem-solving tasks that are engaging, age-appropriate and accessible.
The goal is to encourage more students to see themselves as capable digital thinkers, regardless of background or previous experience.
A collaborative education initiative
Led by the Irish Computer Society in partnership with University of Limerick, BEACONS is jointly funded by Research Ireland and the Department of Education & Youth through the Discover Programme (Grant No. 25/DP/13894)
Building participation and widening access
Find out how your school can take part
Teachers and schools interested in BEACONS can register for updates, access resources and take part in project activities.