Students in 100 schools will have access to drama, cinema and theatre studies, climate action, and sustainable development starting in September 2025.

Forty-three schools will offer Climate Action and Sustainable Development starting in the upcoming academic year, while 57 schools have been chosen to implement Drama, Film, and Theatre Studies.

It is intended for students who might not fit the mould of more traditional disciplines and is a component of the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Programme.

"Many students do not see themselves reflected in [the] senior cycle experience," stated Norma Foley, the minister of education.

"They truly don't, and despite the fact that we have really gifted, artistic, and creative students, their voices go unheard.

Additionally, there is insufficient representation of students' interests in sustainability and climate action, for instance.

Therefore, this is an opportunity to not only recognise the talent, abilities, and interests of our youth, but also to validate them. That way, the academic achievements of a student enrolled in drama, film, and theatre studies, or in climate action and sustainability, will be comparable to those of a student taking science, languages, or any other subject. Thus, it's a really encouraging development."

Ms. Foley said, "We've had great enthusiasm from the schools in terms of the supports that would have to come from the department we would be rolling out in this school year in advance of September '25," when asked if there will be enough teachers to teach the topics.

Based on what we have observed thus far, the staff's qualifications are exceptional.