This term, an exciting new Leaving Certificate subject, Drama, Film and Theatre Studies, was introduced in two of our schools, Finn Valley College in Stranorlar and St Catherine’s Vocational School in Killybegs. What will students learn? In this blog, our Finn Valley College teacher (and actor, director and playwright!), Shaun Byrne, explains.
A total of 57 schools have been selected to pilot the new Leaving Certificate Drama, Film and Theatre Studies subject beginning this term, before being rolled out countrywide in 2027. Five schools in Co Donegal will deliver it:
- Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon
- Carndonagh Community School
- St Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs
- Finn Valley College, Stranorlar
- Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana
In Drama, Film and Theatre Studies, students will have the opportunity to cultivate informed thinking through learning supported by creative and critical processes. This is a seriously exciting addition, especially for those with a creative spark and a love for storytelling. I’ve been involved in drama for over thirty years, acting, directing and most recently writing, so when the opportunity to get involved in the new course came up, my colleague, Martina Garry, and I, no strangers to the An Grianán stage, applied.
So, imagine getting to dive deep into the world of theatre and film, not just watching, but understanding how it all comes together. This new subject isn’t just about memorising facts; it’s about getting hands-on and unleashing the students’ creativity. We’ll be exploring everything from acting and directing to the technical wizardry behind the scenes – think lighting, sound, editing, and even set and costume design.
A big part of this course is practical. Students will get the chance to create their own theatre pieces and short films, either on their own or by collaborating with their classmates, with three mini projects in the first eighteen months before a final exam-based one. This means developing ideas from scratch, devising scripts, workshopping scenes, and then actually bringing them to life. There’s a strong emphasis on what’s called “Creativity in Practice,” which accounts for a significant chunk of the final mark, around 50%. This project-based approach is designed to let students showcase their talents and reduce the pressure of one big exam day.
Beyond the practical stuff, students will also become critical analysts of drama and film. They will study different genres, styles, and historical contexts, learning to really dig into what makes a performance or film impactful. They’ll get to explore the work of established practitioners, both Irish and international, from Sean O’Casey to Steven Spielberg and understand how they’ve shaped the arts.
However, for students, choosing Drama, Film and Theatre Studies isn’t just about getting a Leaving Cert subject under their belts. It’s about developing essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and confident communication. These are really valuable and transferable skills, no matter what students decide to do after school, whether eyeing a career in the arts, further education, or something completely different. It’s a chance to explore passions, build confidence, and engage with the world in a truly unique way. So… Lights! Camera! Action!
