All About Cork: School in Bishopstown adds drama to Leaving Cert course

Bishopstown Community School is one of 14 post-primary schools in Cork that have been selected to introduce Leaving Certificate Drama, Film and Theatre Studies from the start of the 2025/26 school year.

Minister for Education Norma Foley recently announced that 14 schools across Cork city and county are among the 57 Phase One Schools selected nationally which will be the first to offer the new Leaving Certificate subjects of Drama, Film and Theatre Studies and Climate Action and Sustainable Development from the start of the 2025/26 academic year.

Cork schools selected include Bishopstown Community School; Gaelcholáiste Mhuire, An Mhainistir Thuaidh; Mount Mercy College, Model Farm Road; Presentation Secondary School, Ballyphehane; Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig; Glanmire Community College; and Skibbereen Community School.

In addition, 43 schools have been selected for Leaving Certificate Climate Action and Sustainable Development.

“It was fantastic to see a strong level of interest from schools of all types in Cork 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,” Minister Norma Foley said.

“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 14 Cork schools will be among these new subjects from the start of the 2025/26 school year.

“The applications received demonstrated the extraordinary talent, qualifications, experience, and commitment by teachers in schools across Ireland interested in introducing these two new subjects to their students. “ Ms Foley said that the level and variety of current subject provision in the selected schools and the enthusiasm shown by their school leaders, teachers, students and school communities “was nothing short of exemplary” and said she has every confidence that the rollout of both subjects will be a success.

GP welcomes centre

A Bishopstown-based GP has welcomed the announcement that the Bon Secours Hospital Cork is to open a new heart and lung centre.

The centre will offer a full range of cardiac and thoracic surgeries under the clinical leadership of consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Kishore Doddakula.

With treatments covered by VHI, Laya and Irish Life, the centre will be the first of its kind in a private hospital setting in Munster.

GP at Rahona House in Bishopstown, Dr Colman Twomey, welcomed the announcement:

He commented: “This new heart and lung unit will be a great addition to the excellent cardiology services already provided at Bon Secours Hospital Cork.”

Gaelscoil celebrates 40 years

Gaelscoil Uí Riada in Wilton recently celebrated its 40 year anniversary with a children’s fun day for all present-day students.

The celebrations will be extended to next month with a special celebration of all those who were involved in the founding of the school back in 1984.

On Friday, October 18, the school is set to host special performances, presentations, and displays in commemoration of the work and sacrifices made by all, especially in the early years.

Past pupil and renowned traditional musician Muireann Ní Shé has composed two pieces especially for the occasion and pupils and staff plan to put on a super show for all on the day. “Beidh ceol, cibeal agus clagar ann ar an lá,” school principal Breanndán Ó Gréilligh said.

“We hope to see as many past parents and past pupils as possible on the day to share memories so we’d love to spread the news far and wide.”

€1,500 for student who got 577 points in Leaving Cert

A Bishopstown Community School student has received a bursary award from the Bishopstown Credit Union.

Recent graduate of the school, Alex O’Rourke was awarded the prestigious bursary of €1,500.

Alex also attained an impressive 577 points in the Leaving Cert, which business studies teacher, Tom Walsh, who works with transition-year students on enterprise and who led the students in creating a mini credit union in the school, said is a testament to Alex’s parents, Violeta and Shane.

“Alex has accepted his first choice — accounting (BSc) at University College Cork — which is due to start in late September,” Mr Walsh said.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Alex on his remarkable accomplishments, and we wish Alex continued success and fulfillment in his academic pursuits.”

Separately, Bishopstown Community School is set to hold its open night on Thursday, September 26.

The school is inviting parents and students of fourth, fifth, and sixth classes to visit, tour the school’s facilities, and meet some of the staff and students. The principal’s address will take place at 6.30pm.

€500 youth-project donation

Bishopstown and District Lions Club has presented a cheque to the Bishopstown Foróige Youth Project.

The president of the Lions Club, Jim Costello, alongside treasurer Denise McCarthy, recently made the presentation of €500 to Rachel Bradbury, of Bishopstown Foróige Youth Project.

Mr Costello said that the club was “delighted” to make the donation to the local group, following a number of years of different initiatives with Foróige.

A total of €500 was donated by the Bishopstown and District Lions Club.

Girls’ soccer club recruiting

Wilton United Girls’ Soccer Club is recruiting new players. The Denise O’Sullivan Football Academy has taken its name from one of its former players.

Wilton Utd is one of the top underage clubs for female players in Cork.

Denise O’Sullivan is one of many internationals to have played with Wilton over the years and now the club is looking for more girls to get involved.

The club is encouraging girls to come down to a training session at the ’Barr’s club on a Thursday from 6pm, when the under-9 to under-11 age groups are training.

Girls aged from five to 11 train from 6pm to 7pm and girls aged from 12 years to 18 years train from 7pm to 8pm.

The club accepts players from age five and upwards and coaches have said that the girls involved “will have lots of fun, make new friends, and develop new skills by being part of a team”.

Have Bishopstown news to share? Contact breda.graham@theecho.ie