Post-Primary Context

The Leaving Certificate Applied Programme (LCA)

The Leaving Certificate Applied is a distinct, self-contained two-year Leaving Certificate programme. It is designed for students whose needs, aspirations and aptitudes are not adequately catered for by the other two Leaving Certificate programmes - Leaving Certificate (Established) and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP).

Leaving Certificate Applied evolved to strengthen the technological/vocational options and the development of personal skills at senior cycle. The fundamental goal of the Leaving Certificate Applied is to prepare young people for transition from the world of the school/centre to that of adult and working life.

Elements of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme

The Leaving Certificate Applied is structured around three main elements:

Vocational Preparation
Vocational Education
General Education

A range of courses is offered within each of these elements.

A list of the required courses and number of modules can be found on page 12 -13 of the Programme Statement and Outline of Student Tasks.

The Leaving Certificate Applied focuses on the needs and interests of participants, using a variety of methodologies. The Junior Cycle provides the foundation for this development and continuity from this programme is an important guiding consideration. The use of active teaching and learning methodologies across the curriculum promotes those skills and attributes that are fundamental to the development of an individual with an enterprising outlook: self-confidence, responsibility, co-operation, teamwork, problem solving, independence, decision making, and initiative. Work experience and work simulation provide an important opportunity to apply and further develop these skills, aptitudes and dispositions.

Assessment

Assessment takes place upon the completion of modules and participants accumulate credits throughout the programme. Each year of the two-year programme is divided into two sessions, September to January and February to June, to facilitate the modular structure of the courses. A module within a given course is usually completed within a session. Over the two-year duration of the programme, participants will complete 44 modules.

There is also a final examination in each of the following areas:

English and Communication
Two Vocational Specialisms
Mathematical Applications
Languages
Social Education

Accreditation

The Leaving Certificate Applied is awarded to students who successfully complete the programme by the Department of Education. The certificate is awarded at three levels: Pass, Merit and Distinction. Further details relating to assessment are available here. NB: Alternative assessment arrangements have been put in place for the academic year 2020/2021 and can be viewed at www.education.ie.