Carlow school to pilot new leaving cert subject

TYNDALL College has been selected as one of the 43 ‘phase one schools’ to offer the brand-new leaving certificate subject Climate Action and Sustainable Development.

A further 57 secondary schools have been selected to introduce drama, film and theatre studies.

Making the announcement, minister for education Norma Foley said: “It was fantastic to see a strong level of interest from schools of all types in Co Carlow 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 Tyndall College, Carlow will be among the first to offer climate action and sustainable development from the start of the 2025-26 school year.” 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.

“The applications received demonstrated the extraordinary talent, qualifications, experience, and commitment by teachers in schools interested in introducing these two new subjects to their students,” she said.

Teachers in the Carlow school will begin working with Oide, the teacher support service, this academic year, in advance of teaching the subject. 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 several interconnected core concepts and principles related to climate action and sustainable development.