Leaving Certificate Vocational

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

The LCVP is a Leaving Certificate with a focus on enterprise and preparation for working life. This two-year programme combines the academic strengths of the Leaving Certificate with a dynamic focus on self-directed learning, enterprise, work and the community.

PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, which is of two years’ duration, are as follows:

Vocational Subject Groupings (VSG’s)

Two subjects are selected from one of the Vocational Subject Groupings. These subjects provide students with a focus for developing vocational skills and exploring their career options. The VSG’s are reviewed annually and new combinations introduced in response to changing needs. The Specialist Groupings consist of subjects which complement one another naturally. The Services Groupings comprise subjects which complement one another in a commercial context.

The Link Modules.

LCVP students are required to take the Link Modules, Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education, over the two years of the programme.

Link Module activities provide a setting in which connections can be made between a student’s vocational subjects and the world outside the school.

Link Module I – Preparation for the World of Work -This module is designed to develop students’ general understanding of the world of work, introduce them to career research and provide them with the knowledge and skills to find employment. As part of this module each student is expected to complete a career investigation and engage in a work experience or work shadowing placement.

Link Module II – Enterprise Education- This module aims to develop creativity, resourcefulness, self-confidence and initiative. Students are encouraged to interview enterprising people, investigate local enterprises and to set up their own enterprise projects as vehicles of learning. The content of the module is flexible to allow a school to utilise local resources and enable learning to take place in as wide a variety of settings as possible.

Modern European Language - LCVP students must follow a recognised course in a Modern European Language over the two years of the programme. Whilst the vast majority follow a Leaving Certificate Modern European Language Course, a small minority of students take a Vocational Language Module in order to fulfil the requirements of the programme.

Certification

LCVP students receive the same certificate as students of the Leaving Certificate (established). An additional statement of the grade received for the Link Modules is appended to the certificate.

Grades for the Link Modules are awarded as follows:
Distinction (80 – 100%)
Merit (65 – 79%)
Pass (50 – 64%)

Recognition

LCVP students have the same opportunity to proceed to universities and other third level institutions as students in the Leaving Certificate (established). The Link Modules are presently recognised in points terms as follows:

Assessment Arrangements and Criteria

The two Link Modules are treated as a unit for assessment purposes. Assessment is at a common level. On completion of the programme, students must present evidence in relation to the specific learning outcomes. The evidence will be provided in the form of a

Terminal Examination Paper – 40% of total marks

Date: End of final year of the LCVP

Duration: Two and a half hours

Content: Section A: Audio-visual presentation Section B: Case Study (received in advance by students) Section C: General Questions (four out of six).

Portfolio of Coursework – 60% of total marks

Date: Assessed at the end of the final year of the LCVP

Duration: Assembled over two years of the Programme

Content:

Section 1: Core Items: Curriculum Vitae Career Investigation Summary Report Enterprise/Action Plan

Section 2: Optional Items: (two out of four) Diary of Work Experience Enterprise Report Recorded Interview/Presentation Report on ‘My Own Place’.

For further information contact Mr. Tom Hartnett, LCVP Co-ordinator.