Four Wexford schools selected for pilot Leaving Cert programme

Ramsgrange Community school and Gorey Community school will avail of the additional subject of Drama, Film and Theatre Studies, while Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy and Gorey Educate Together school will offer classes on Climate Action and Sustainable Development.

Principal of Coláiste Bríde, Keira O'Sullivan, expressed their delight at being among the 43 schools selected around the country.

"I was delighted to hear that we were one of the 43 schools selected to introduce Climate Action and Sustainable Development. As a school, we have a very committed group of students and teachers who have already done a lot in this area. Sustainability and climate action are at the heart of many of our whole school initiatives and this next step will see our students get the opportunity to really develop their knowledge and understanding of the challenges of sustainability and climate concerns," she said.

"In addition to the subject choice we offer in Coláiste Bríde at Leaving Cert level, it is important to highlight the relevance of this subject to so many of the courses that students can opt for at third level. This is clearly a topic that is significant for the future and the world's needs, and I am thrilled that our students will be part of the first group to lead the way," she added.

Furthermore, the school has a designated Green Schools Coordinator/Teacher of Climate Action and Sustainable Development, Brendan White, who said that this new offering will open up so many more opportunities for employment in the future.

"We are excited about the future career prospects this subject will open for our students. Climate change and sustainability are increasingly becoming focal points for industries worldwide, leading to a growing demand for professionals skilled in these areas," he said.

"Whether in fields such as renewable energy, environmental science, sustainable agriculture, green technologies, or corporate social responsibility, the Leaving Certificate subject will provide a strong foundation for students aiming to pursue careers that contribute to a sustainable and equitable future. It will also develop key skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving, which are highly valued in today's job market," he added.

Through various initiatives such as recycling programs, energy-saving campaigns, and biodiversity projects, the school has strived to instil a deep understanding of environmental responsibility in their students.

"We are proud to prepare the next generation of leaders who will drive positive change in the world," he said.

This 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.

Senior Cycle Redevelopment is programme, introduced in February this year, that is designed to change the current senior cycle in Ireland to bring 'equity and excellence for all' students. These changes include different approaches to assessment, updating and modernising subject specifications, and introducing new programmes subjects.

Speaking on the positive impact of this announcement, Minister Foley said: "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."

"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 concluded.

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.