The two new Leaving Cert subjects, Drama, Film, and Theatre Studies, and

Climate Action and Sustainable Development, will be introduced in schools on a

phased basis starting from the 2025/26 school year. Following a nationwide open call

for applications in April 2024, 57 schools were chosen to introduce Drama, Film,

and Theatre Studies and 43 schools to introduce Climate Action and Sustainable

Development.

CPC was selected as one of the 57 schools to offer “Drama, Film, and Theatre

Studies” as a leaving cert subject option. Mr. Leonard, Miss Dredge, Miss

O’Sullivan, and two TY students, Amy Maher and Jamie Browne, attended the

launch of the new subjects at the Irish Film Institute in Dublin on Wednesday,

September 11th. Below, Amy and Jamie recall the events of this memorable

afternoon.

Jamie and I had an amazing chance to attend the Department of Education's

introduction of two new senior cycle subjects for selected schools nationwide.

We had amazing seats, a row away from the stage and right in the middle.

Norma Foley was the first to speak about what the new subjects will cover and

how they will be examined. Both written and practical elements will be examined.

The first presentation was Drama, Film and Theatre Studies; presenters

included Dearbhla Walsh, director of “Bad Sisters” and “Shameless”. Alisha

Weir, who played “Matilda” in the musical movie and “Wicked Little Letters”.

Cleona Ni Chrualaoi and Colm Bairead the producer and director of “ An Cailín

Ciúin” They talked about their movies, what got them into acting and making

films, and their challenges and achievements in life. While talking, they played

little clips of the films they made/acted in between their stories and speeches.

This was amazing to watch and so cool to be so close to these famous and

successful actors and directors. The second presentation was Climate Action

and Sustainable Development. Some people from schools came up and talked

about climate action and how they promote and encourage the subject in their

schools. Then, people from a climate action organisation came up and spoke

about how they had been debating and protesting for the cause and subject.

After the event ended, a bit over time, we asked Alisha Weir for a photo, and

we got one. I was also trying to ask Dearbhla, but she was busy, sadly, so I

never got that. It was a fantastic day, and I had the best fun. We enjoyed the

day out and were thankful for the opportunity to attend something unique and

special. 

Recently, Amy and I had the amazing opportunity to go to Dublin City with Mr

Leonard, Miss O’Sullivan, and Miss Dredge to attend the press launch of the new

Leaving Cert subjects. Amy and I did not know what to expect from the event,

but with an introduction from the Minister of Education, Norma Foley, we knew

it would be interesting. The launch was not only about the two new subjects,

Climate Action and Sustainable Development and Drama, Film and Theatre

Studies (which Amy and I were chosen to represent)). But we also heard

speakers telling us about these subjects' positive impact on our schools.

Speakers included Joanna Donnelly, who spoke about the topic of climate

change. Dearbhla Walsh spoke on Drama, Film and Theatre Studies as she

directs films and shows such as Shameless, Eastenders and The Handmaid's

Tale. However, my favourite speaker of the evening was the star from

“Matilda”, Alisha Weir. She spoke about the positive effects Drama Film and

Theatre Studies will have on the film industry in Ireland. Fortunately, our

school was selected as one of 57 schools for Drama, Film and Theatre Studies

schools. Students from this year's TY may choose this subject as a Leaving Cert

option. We consider ourselves lucky that out of all the schools in Ireland, we

were one!! I would also like to thank Miss O’Sullivan and Miss Dredge for their

great care during the trip and the opportunity to attend the launch. Thank you

for a Fascinating Day Out!