Three Tipperary Secondary Schools Announced As Part Of New Leaving Certificate Subject Roll-Out

Three Tipperary Schools have been announced among the 100 secondary schools taking part in the first roll out of two new Leaving Certificate subjects. Fifty-seven secondary schools across the country have been selected to introduce Drama, Film and Theatre Studies to their choice of Leaving Certificate subjects from the start of the 2025/2026 school year. St Mary’s Secondary School in Nenagh will be included in this group.  

As part of this subject students will learn about film and theatre through engaging experiences. This subject will aim to foster students’ creativity while developing their critical thinking skills.  

Along with this Climate Action and Sustainable Development will be introduced for Leaving Certificate students in 43 schools nationwide. The schools will include St Ailbhe’s School in Tipperary Town and Newport College.  

Climate Action and Sustainable Development will provide students with a greater understanding of climate issues and how they can take meaningful action in their own ways for a more sustainable future. Through this subject, students will develop an understanding of key areas connected to climate action and key sustainability challenges such as the climate crisis.  

Speaking about the roll out of these subjects in Tipperary and across the country, Minister for Education Norma Foley said:  

“It was fantastic to see a strong level of interest from schools of all types in Tipperary 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. 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. I am pleased to announce that three Tipperary schools will be among the first to offer the new Leaving Certificate subjects of Drama, Film and Theatre Studies and Climate Action and Sustainable Development in 2025/26. 

“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. 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.”