Leaving Certificate Applied
What is Leaving Cert Applied (LCA)?
It is a two-year Leaving Certificate programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. It sets out to recognise the talents of all students and provide opportunities for development in terms of responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge.
What is different about LCA?
- It is a practical Leaving Cert Programme
- Work experience is a significant component of the programme and students get to sample a range of jobs and get first-hand experience in the world of work.
- There is less emphasis on the final examinations as course work is assessed throughout the two-year programme
- Students work and skill development is assessed in different ways including interviews, written, oral and practical components.
- Four times throughout the two years, students get a statement of their results from the state Examinations Commission. Students therefore experience regular feedback on their success and achievement.
Who is it suitable for?
- Students who have ambitions to go straight into work after school
- Students who find the pressure of everything resting on one final written exam too stressful
- Students not intending to go on to an Institute of Technology or University immediately but who do not want to rule it out as an option in the future
- Students who enjoy project work and attend school regularly (90% attendance is required)
- Students who are motivated by continuous assessment over the two year programme
- Students who wants to get work experience to help them decide on their future career
What is the Curriculum made up of?
The course is delivered in three main areas and there are a number of modules within each course:
Vocational Preparation: Vocational Preparation & Guidance, English & Communications Vocational Education: Mathematical Applications, Vocational Specialisms (Current 5th year L.C.A. specialisms are Hair & Beauty or Graphics & Construction Studies and Horticulture/ Agriculture & Information Communication Technology
General Education: Arts & Craft, Social Education, Languages (Spanish in 5th year & Irish in 6th year) Leisure & Recreation, Religious Education.
Modules (Subjects) Studied in LCA?
Vocational Preparation & Guidance, English & Communications, Mathematical Applications, Information Technology, Recreation & Leisure, Arts & Craft, Social Education, Religion, Irish & Spanish (on alternate years), Career Guidance, Personal Reflection & two vocational educational modules e.g. Hair & Beauty, Graphics & Construction Studies, Engineering, Horticulture/Agriculture.
Assessment and examinations
Students are continuously examined on their work over the two-year programme. There are 3 ways in which students gain marks:
- Completion of modules - 62 credits (31%)
The programme is divided into half year blocks called ‘sessions’ of which there are four sessions over the two-year programme. Students are assessed on their work in January and May of each year when a session ends. Credits (marks) are awarded at the end of each session.
- 7 Student Tasks 70 credits (35%)
Credits (marks) are awarded for Tasks (major projects). Student Tasks (projects) are assessed during an interview by external examiners appointed by the Department of Education and Skills. These Tasks may be in a variety of formats – written, audio, video etc. and each student is required to produce a report on the process of completing the Task.
- Final Examinations 68 credits (34%)
These take place in June with the other Certificate Examinations. The final examination must be taken in the following modules:
- English and Communication
- Two vocational specialisms – Current 5TH year L.C.A. specialisms are Hair & Beauty or Graphics & Construction Studies and Horticulture/ Agricultural Science.
- Mathematical applications
- Language (Spanish in 5th Year & Irish in 6th Year)
- Social education
There are oral examinations in all languages (English & Communications, Spanish in 5th year and Irish in 6th Year). There are practical examinations in the vocational specialisms e.g. Hair & Beauty etc.
Total Marks: 200 credits (100%)
What certificate is awarded?
The certificate is awarded at three levels:
- Pass 60-69% (120-139)
- Merit 70-84% (140-169)
- Distinction 85-100% (170-200 credits)
Candidates who get less than 60% (120 credits) or who do not complete the course, are awarded a record of experience.
Do Leaving Certificate Applied students receive a Leaving Certificate?
Yes. Students who successfully complete the programme will receive a Leaving Certificate from the State Examinations Commission.
Career Opportunities after completing LCA?
A student who has been awarded the Leaving Certificate Applied can go on to a very wide range of Post-Leaving Certificate courses (PLCs) which are available in local post-primary schools and colleges. These are one-year courses (two in some cases). PLC courses are at level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Graduates of the Leaving Certificate Applied who progress to an approved further education award (e.g. PLC) can become eligible for admission to some third level courses in the Institutes of Technology and in the Universities.
There are many areas of study - Art/Design, Business, Science, Services/Leisure and Communications/Media studies. Many PLC courses lead to either a level 5 or level 6 award. In some cases, you can progress with this award to a third level course in a higher education institution such as, institutes of technology and universities.
Students with the Leaving Certificate Applied can also go on to apprenticeship programmes. Many students go directly to employment in Hair and Beauty, the Army, the police force etc.
Where are the previous LCA students now?
A Destination Study carried out by the NCCA found that 91% of the graduates of the LCA programme proceeded to further education. Students who completed the programme now work in services and sales, Hair & Beauty, manufacturing and mining industries, building and construction, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, commerce, finance and the public services. Jobs range from preschool teachers to Trainee Garda. A large number of graduates became apprentices in the areas of construction, motor, engineering and carpentry/ furniture.
Application to Leaving Cert Applied in Kildare Town Community School (KTCS). All applicants will be interviewed in KTCS to determine their suitability for the programme. As 90% + attendance is a requirement for Certification, students with a poor attendance record may not be considered for a place. The student`s behavioural record and their effort in school will be taken into account. The programme involves one day work experience each week and the remaining three and a half days in school.
For further information please contact Mr. Frank O Sullivan – LCA Co-ordinator.
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