Clare school among first in Ireland to roll out new Leaving Cert subject

St. Anne’s Community College in Clare is the among the selected Phase One Schools which will be the first to offer the new Leaving Certificate subject of Drama, Film and Theatre Studies from the start of the 2025/26 school year.

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD announced that the Killaloe school is among 57 post-primary schools have been selected to introduce Leaving Certificate Drama, Film and Theatre Studies from the start of the 2025/26 school year.

The announcement marks an important moment in the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Programme and the Minister’s vision for a Senior Cycle that provides young people with an opportunity to study a range of subjects that align with their talents and passions.

43 schools have also been selected for Leaving Certificate Climate Action and Sustainable Development.

“These subjects are being introduced to provide greater choice for students to better reflect their range of interests and support the development of a wider range of talents and skills," Minister Foley said.

"I am pleased to announce that St. Anne’s Community College, Killaloe, will be among the first to offer Drama, Film and Theatre Studies from the start of the 2025/26 school year.

"I am most pleased for the students in the 100 post primary schools across the country who will experience either Drama, Film and Theatre Studies or Climate Action and Sustainable Development at Senior Cycle in this initial phase and who will have the opportunity to develop their interests, strengths and talents in these areas,” Minister Foley continued.

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Teachers in the selected schools will begin working with Oide, the teacher support service, this school year, a year in advance of teaching the subject.

All selected Phase One schools will be provided with the necessary resources to establish new subject departments in their schools and to support the teaching and learning of the subject from the start of the 2025/26 school year.

Drama, Film and Theatre Studies will promote and encourage creativity as a basis for learning through immersive experiences. Students will have the opportunity to cultivate informed thinking through learning supported by creative and critical processes.

Climate Action and Sustainable Development will develop students’ capacity for informed and meaningful action for a just and sustainable world as they engage with key sustainability challenges including the climate crisis.

Students will be empowered to build their understanding of a number of interconnected core concepts and principles related to climate action and sustainable development.

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