Leaving Cert Applied:
A Different Way
The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is a two-year Leaving Certificate programme available to students who wish to follow a practical path with a strong vocational emphasis. It is a distinct, self-contained two-year Leaving Certificate programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life as well as further education.
The word ‘applied’ is used because the programme is designed to allow the students to apply the learning and experience they gain over the two year programme to practical educational tasks at school, in the workplace and wider community.
It emphasises a form of achievement and excellence which the established Leaving Certificate has not recognised in the past. The programme is a more practical course with the main form of assessment being continual assessment. Students complete key assignments and tasks at specified dates throughout fifth and sixth year.
Each assignment includes an element of student reflection on their learning and work carried out, as well as developing students’ communication skills. Students also complete some final exams in certain modules where results are collated with their task results.
The Leaving Certificate Applied programme suits a student who…
- is motivated by continuous assessment;
- learns by doing;
- wants to get work experience to help with future career choices;
- wants to develop skills which will help in their future career and life.
Student Supports (2022-2023):
Leaving Cert Applied Co-ordinator: Ms Moran
Year Head & Tutor (integrated into year group):
(Fifth Year Head); Ms McGarry
(Sixth Year Head) Ms O’Byrne
Teaching Team cross-curricular approach
What are the benefits of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme?
It recognises the many talents of all pupils;
It prepares students for adult life and working life;
It promotes communication and decision making skills;
It applies knowledge and skills to real life situations.
In and Out of School Learning in LCA:
In school Learning
- Group work/Discussion
- Brainstorming
- Oral Presentations
- Visitor to the classroom
- Role Play
- Questionnaires/Surveys
- Displays/Exhibitions
Out of school learning
- Work Experience Enterprise
- Visits outside school/Visitors In
- Investigations in the community
- Working with community groups
- Outings e.g. outdoor education
- Interviews
- Surveys
Modules / Subjects:
| Vocational Preparation | Vocational Prep. & Guidance (includes Careers, Guidance, Career Investigation (WP) & Enterprise) |
| English & Communications | |
| Vocational Education | Maths Applications |
| ICT | |
| Hotel, Catering & Tourism (HCT) | |
| General Education | Social Education & Contemporary Issues |
| Languages: Irish & Spanish | |
| Leisure & Recreation | |
| Arts Education (Visual & Drama) | |
| Electives | Religious Education |
| Career Investigation is every Friday (2 placements per year) |
Childcare / Hair & Beauty / Animal Welfare – Testers |
Assessment:
| Satisfactory Completion of Modules | 62 Credits (31%) |
| 7 Student Tasks | 70 Credits (35%) |
| Final Examinations | 68 Credits (34%) |
| Total | 200 Credits (100%) |
