The LCVP is a two-year programme, designed to enhance the traditional Leaving Certificate. LCVP students develop skills, which will be of use to them in further education, in employment or even in starting their own business. Students develop these skills by taking two Link Modules called the World of Work and Enterprise Education.
The approach taken in studying these modules involves working in groups, doing independent research, preparing of a portfolio and learning in a self-directed fashion. Students go on visits to businesses in the local area, plan and implement events, host visitors from local organisations, both commercial and not for profit and undertake work experience during holiday periods. Accounts of all these activities are recorded and submitted as part of the student’s portfolio.
In order to gain entry to the LCVP, students must do a Modern European Language plus a combination of at least two subjects from the Business, Science or Practical areas. These combinations are referred to as Vocational Subject Groupings as it is believed that businesses in Ireland would welcome as employees, students, who had some knowledge of these areas. There are multiple combinations of subjects, which may be used for entry to the LCVP and students are given this full list when selecting their options for the Leaving Certificate.
Students are assessed by means of a terminal exam (May of 6th Year) based on a case study plus their portfolio, which they prepared over the two years of the course. Results are issued along with all the Leaving Certificate results in August each year.
The Leaving Certificate Applied programme is a two-year Leaving Certificate programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life.
The programme sets out to recognise the talents of all students and to provide opportunities for developing personal responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge, and helps students apply what they learn to the real world.
The two-year programme consists of four half-year blocks called sessions. Achievement is credited in each session. Courses are offered in three main areas: Vocational Preparation; General Education; and Vocational Education.
On 29 March 2022, the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, TD, announced plans for a reimagined Senior Cycle education for Post-primary students – Equity and Excellence for All, where the student is at the centre of their Senior Cycle experience. In the context of the LCA programme, it was announced that students’ options would be enhanced by providing access to Leaving Certificate Established (LCE) Mathematics and Modern Foreign Languages from September 2022.
Assessment takes place on the completion of modules, and there is also a final examination in each of the following areas:
Students who successfully complete the programme are awarded a Leaving Certificate from the Department of Education and Science. The certificate is awarded at three levels: Pass; Merit; and Distinction.
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