Climate Action and Sustainable Development is a forward-looking Leaving Certificate subject that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking needed to respond to one of the defining challenges of our time. At ETSS Wicklow, CASD is taught as an evidence-based, action-oriented subject that explores the interconnected environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
Teaching and learning is grounded in enquiry, research, and real-world application. Students are encouraged to move beyond opinion and engage critically with data, policy, and lived experience.
Students develop confidence in researching complex issues, interpreting information, and communicating realistic responses. The subject supports informed citizenship and prepares students for further study and careers connected to sustainability, environment, policy, science, and society.
As a pilot school, ETSS Wicklow supports students in engaging with a modern subject that is evolving in line with best practice and national development.
A defining feature of CASD at ETSS Wicklow is authentic learning that connects students with real data, real research, and real conversations about climate action.
Students are recording historic rainfall figures as part of a wider project undertaken alongside Met Éireann. This work strengthens data-handling skills and highlights the importance of long-term records in understanding climate patterns and change.
ETSS Wicklow Climate Action Sustainable Development and Geography Department Update
This department update highlights project work shared across both CASD and Geography.
CASD students played a central role in the Our Climate, Our Future conference — a student-led event focused on climate action, sustainability, and the future of local communities. The conference provided students with opportunities to engage with real challenges, articulate evidence-based priorities, and contribute meaningfully to public dialogue.
The conference received national media attention, including coverage by the Irish Independent.
Placeholder for a scanned image of the Wicklow Times print coverage.
CASD builds a broad and transferable skill set that supports a wide range of third-level courses and career pathways.
Critical thinking, systems thinking, and the ability to evaluate complex problems.
Research, data analysis, source evaluation, and evidence-based conclusions.
Collaboration, presentation skills, and communicating realistic responses and solutions.
ETSS Wicklow is one of 44 schools selected nationally to pilot the rollout of Climate Action and Sustainable Development as a Leaving Certificate subject. As a pilot school, we contribute to shaping best practice as the subject develops nationally.
