Lough Allen College is delighted to announce that it has been chosen as one of just 57 schools nationwide to pilot the new Leaving Certificate course in Drama, Film, and Theatre Studies. The course, set to begin in September 2025, will be available to incoming 5th-year students and is a fantastic opportunity for the school community.
Principal Ms. Fiona Kuehl and Lead Theatre Teacher Ms. Lorraine O’Hara-McGrath proudly represented the school at the official launch event hosted by Minister for Education Norma Foley at the Irish Film Institute in Dublin on Wednesday, September 11th. This new course is a significant development for the school, given it is the only school in County Leitrim, and indeed the entire Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) region, to offer this exciting programme.
The Drama, Film, and Theatre Studies course will provide students with a unique platform to develop their creative talents, gain hands-on experience in theatre and film production, and enhance their communication and teamwork skills. With 50% of the assessment based on practical projects, it offers a real-world, hands-on approach to learning, making it an ideal subject for students whose skills and interests lie outside the traditional academic path.
Ms. Lorraine O’Hara-McGrath, Lead Theatre Teacher, expressed her excitement about the new programme:
“I am thrilled to be part of this Pilot project. It has been a lifelong professional ambition of mine to teach Theatre & Film at Leaving Certificate level. This is the type of subject I would have thrived in during my own school years if it had been available, and I’m so excited that Lough Allen College will now offer it. Our school is helping to promote arts and creativity within an already vibrant, arts-focused Drumkeeran community, and I can’t wait to see the impact it will have on our students and beyond.”
Minister Foley described this new subject as “a positive step forward,” recognising the value of creative subjects and giving students an opportunity to thrive in areas where they can showcase their artistic and practical abilities.
Chairperson of Lough Allen College BOM & Local Councillor Mary Bohan praised the school for being at the forefront of Senior Cycle Leaving Certificate developments and for actively pursuing unique educational opportunities for youth in our community.
Lough Allen College will host an Open Day on Tuesday, October 22nd, where prospective students and parents are invited to learn more about the new course. The event will include a talk on the advantages this subject offers for students in Senior Cycle.
