Two Mayo schools to roll out new Leaving Cert subjects

THE Minister for Education, Norma Foley, has announced that two Mayo schools are among the selected phase one schools which will be the first to offer the new Leaving Certificate subjects of Drama, Film and Theatre Studies and Climate Action and Sustainable Development from the start of the 2025/26 school year.

Fifty-seven post-primary schools have been selected to introduce Leaving Certificate Drama, Film and Theatre Studies, including Sancta Maria College in Louisburgh.

In addition, 43 schools have been selected for Leaving Certificate Climate Action and Sustainable Development. These include Jesus and Mary Secondary School, Crossmolina.

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.

All selected schools will be provided with 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.