View the original LCA Parent and Student Presentation
What is Leaving Cert Applied?
The Leaving Certificate Applied is a single award based on a unified programme, rather than a set of grades achieved in subjects. It is a self-contained two year programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life.
The programme puts an emphasis on forms of achievement and excellence which the Established Leaving Certificate has not recognised in the past.
Who would benefit most?
- Students who are not adequately catered for by other Leaving Certificate programmes, or who choose not to opt for such programmes.
- Learners who wish to follow a practical or vocationally orientated programme or enter the world of work.
- Students preparing for the transition to adult and working life.
- Students who have difficulty with rote learning rather than learning by doing.
- Students who have difficulty with essay-type answers, poor attention span or poor retention skills.
- Students who are not prepared to study for at least two hours per night for the Leaving Certificate.
The programme is designed to allow students opportunities to apply their learning and experiences over the two years to practical tasks at school, in the workplace and in the wider community.
The advantages of LCA
- It focuses on the talents of each individual student and helps students apply what they learn in the real world.
- It caters for and rewards all types of learners.
- It provides for the development of students’ self-esteem and their sense of responsibility.
- It promotes decision-making skills and communication.
- It equips students with interview and presentation skills.
- It builds teamwork skills and teaches personal responsibility.
What LCA students like about the programme
- Less homework, stress and pressure overall.
- Smaller class sizes.
- Learning skills for life.
- A more relaxed learning environment and positive relationships with teachers.
- Key assignments rather than relying only on exams.
- Work experience that helps students explore what they may want to do in the future.
How is LCA structured?
The two-year programme is divided into four blocks called Sessions and students are credited for work completed in each Session. Session 1 runs from September to the end of January and Session 2 from February to June of 5th Year. Sessions 3 and 4 take place in 6th Year.
Students must attain 90% attendance in each session; otherwise the credits for that session are lost. Medically certified absences are accepted and the student does not lose credits in that situation.
Subjects studied in Leaving Cert Applied
- English
- Maths
- Social Education
- Languages
- Arts Education
- Engineering
- IT
- VPG
- PE
- Graphics & Construction
- Hotel Catering and Tourism
Work Experience
In addition to the subjects listed above, students undertake four work experience placements over the two years. These practical placements provide first-hand experience of the workplace, allow students to explore possible career options and help them actively develop skills for future employability.
Work experience is one day per week, usually on Friday. The school provides insurance for students while on work placement.
How is LCA assessed?
Students complete Key Assignments in class and are awarded credits for these. Students also complete seven projects, called Tasks, over the two years and are awarded credits for them.
Attendance, completion of Key Assignments and Tasks account for 66% of the final grade, with terminal examinations in six subjects accounting for the remaining 33%.
Do LCA students receive a Leaving Certificate?
Yes. Students who successfully complete the programme receive a Leaving Certificate from the State Examinations Commission. All credits awarded are recorded on the certificate.
- Pass: 120 to 139 credits
- Merit: 140 to 169 credits
- Distinction: 170 to 200 credits
Careers and progression
LCA has a strong vocational dimension which equips students with skills for the world of work and lifelong learning. Students wishing to further their education can progress to Post Leaving Certificate courses. These are usually one-year courses in a wide range of areas, and students may then become eligible for admission to some third-level colleges in Technological Universities.
LCA is marked differently to the traditional Leaving Certificate but is still a gateway to third-level education.
Questions to consider when deciding on LCA
- Is the student willing to apply themselves to the workload of the Established Leaving Certificate or not?
- What is the long-term aim of the student – third level, further education, agricultural college, self-employment or an apprenticeship?
- What are the aptitudes, abilities and skills of the student?
- What type of learner is the student – a preference for assignments and continuous assessment or terminal examinations?
- Does the student like school and the work?
LCA Coordinator
Please feel free to contact the LCA Coordinator with any questions: maryb.manning@corketb.ie.