County Roscommon school chosen as pilot for new subject

A County Roscommon secondary school has been chosen to pilot a new subject for senior cycle, commencing this September.

Abbey Community College (ACC) in Boyle, which has 590 students and 60 staff, is offering Drama, Film & Theatre Studies to its students beginning their senior cycle in September. Already 15 students have expressed interest in the course.

Speaking to the Roscommon Herald vice-principal Mr Frank Colohan explained that “there has been a history in the school of students being involved in musicals and drama”. He added that from that point of view it was decided to apply for the pilot project.

According to the Department of Education “Leaving Certificate Drama, Film and Theatre Studies extends the range of practical, arts-based subjects on the senior cycle curriculum, encouraging and promoting a well-rounded education”.

As part of the course the Boyle students will explore and experience the world of drama, film and theatre “how it can impact their creative and critical choices, helping them become more aware of their own place in society”.

The idea is to broaden the students’ perspective on drama, film and theatre.

Already the Boyle school has introduced Physical Education for Leaving Cert, which has been extremely successful. The school was also a pilot for that subject back in 2018.

Another extremely successful subject for ACC has been Politics and Society which, Mr Colohan pointed out, has “gained popularity this year” with students entering senior cycle in September.

According to the deputy principal ACC will soon be implementing another new subject for junior cycle students in the coming year. From September First Years entering ACC will be able to study Spanish. “We brought in an extra language this year because we have the expertise in the school and because there is an interest in it,” he said.