The Leaving Certificate Applied is a distinct, self-contained two-year programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. It emphasises forms of achievement and excellence, which the established Leaving Certificate has not recognised in the past. It offers a specific opportunity to prepare for and progress to further education and training. The two-year programme consists of four half-year blocks called sessions and achievements are credited in each of these sessions.
Why choose the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme?
The Leaving Certificate applied programme prepares learners for the demanding transition to adult and working life. It recognises the talents of all our students as the programme in Scoil Muire agus Pádraig is responsive to aptitudes, abilities, needs and interests of our students. The programme provides an opportunity to develop in terms of responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge and it develops communication and decision making skills. In addition it helps learners achieve a more independent and enterprising approach to learning and to life.
What are the Leaving Certificate Applied subjects?
- English and Communication (3 class periods)
- Mathematical Applications (3 class periods)
- Social Education (4 class periods)
- Gaeilge in Year 1 and French in Year 2 (2 class periods)
- Vocational Preparation & Guidance (4 class periods)
- Physical Education (2 class periods)
- Music (2 class periods)
- Tutorial (2 class periods)
- Engineering* (4 class periods)
- Information & Communications Technology* (4 class periods)
- Graphics and Construction Studies (3 class periods)
*These subjects are called vocational specialisms. There are eleven vocational specialisms from which to choose from however, students must only study two. These are chosen by the school at the beginning of the two year programme and they are chosen with the talents of the LCA group in mind.
*This is an elective. Students must study four elective modules over the two years. There are many electives to choose from but the school chooses the elective with the talents of the LCA group in mind.
Assessment in the Leaving Certificate Applied programme?
Assessment takes place on the completion of modules, and there is also a final examination in each of the following areas:
- English and Communication
- Two vocational specialisms (Engineering and ICT)
- Mathematical Applications
- Language
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.
Work Experience in the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme
Students must undertake Work Experience as part of this programme. In Scoil Muire agus Pádraig our LCA students secure work experience for 1 day a week (Wednesday) for the school year.
