Two Mayo schools partake in phase one roll out of new Leaving Cert subjects

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD announced that two Mayo schools will participate in phase one of the rollout of new Leaving Certificate subjects.

Sancta Maria College in Louisburgh and Jesus and Mary Secondary School, Crossmolina 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.

Among the schools participating in phase one, Sancta Maria College is one of 57 schools to have been selected to introduce Leaving Certificate Drama, Film and Theatre Studies 

Furthermore, Jesus and Mary Secondary School is one of 43 schools to have been selected for Leaving Certificate Climate Action and Sustainable Development. 

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.

Minister Foley said: “It was fantastic to see a strong level of interest from schools of all types in Mayo and across the country in taking part in this first phase of delivering the new Leaving Certificate subjects of Drama, Film and Theatre Studies and Climate Action and Sustainable Development.”

She also commented: “The applications received demonstrated the extraordinary talent, qualifications, experience, and commitment by teachers in schools across Ireland interested in introducing these two new subjects to their students. 

“The level and variety of current subject provision in the selected schools and the enthusiasm shown by their school leaders, teachers, students and school communities was nothing short of exemplary and I have every confidence that the rollout of both subjects will be a success,” she added.

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. 

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. 

For more information on the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Programme, see the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment website.