Clodagh Finn: Introduction of drama, film, and theatre studies as a school subject an inspired idea

'While there is some mention of the health benefits of the arts, the idea of theatre and wellbeing has been little explored in Ireland,' says one theatre historian

Imagine the possibilities that will open up when drama, film, and theatre studies is a core Leaving Cert subject. Apart from the blood-quickening appeal of it, it has the potential to offer students so much more. File picture: Mark Stedman/RollingNews.ie

I always find it slightly surreal to see some teachers turn into back-of-the-class hecklers at their annual conference. It has become something of a tradition to jeer and shout down the education minister of the day, although tradition is far too grand a word for it. It’s bad manners, plain and simple — and I say that as a fan of the teacher.

However, what is more disconcerting is that the heckling at last week’s Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland conference came while Norma Foley, the education minister, was talking about Leaving Cert reform.