What is the Leaving Cert Applied?
It is a distinct, self-contained two-year Leaving Certificate 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
Who would benefit from this?
Students who prefer more practical courses
Students who are not adequately catered for by other Leaving Certificate programmes
Students who choose not to opt for those programmes
Who is it suitable for?
Suitable for those daltai who are:
Someone who would be motivated by continuous assessment
Someone who wants to get work experience to help them with their career choice
Someone who wants to develop skills which will help them in their future career
Someone who prefers learning by doing
Why this programme and not traditional Leaving Cert?
The Leaving Cert Applied is a different way of learning. It aims to:
Prepares students for adult and working life
Recognises talents of all pupils
Promotes communication and decision making skills
Applies knowledge and skills to the solution of real problems
Vocational Preparation | Vocational Preparation & Guidance English & Communications |
Vocational Education | Mathematical Applications Vocational Specialisms – Hotel Catering and Tourism, Office and Administration Information Communication Technology |
General Education | Arts Education Social Education Languages Leisure & Recreation Religious Education Science |
There is a whole series of words associated with LCA that are not associated with other programmes. For the most part these are words that you would only come across in college or university.
Credits are marks that are given to the student after completing a key assignment
Each subject has Modules (topics)
Each module has 4 Key assignments
Each module without an exam is worth 2 Credits
To earn these credits you must have 90% attendance and all four key assignments
You need credits to pass each subject
There are 200 credits overall in LCA
Attendance and assignments are KEY.
Some modules have final exams in June as well as continuous assessment throughout the two years.
Majority of exams are at the end of Year Two:
English & Communications
Hotel, Catering and Tourism
Office and Administration
Social Education
Mathematical Applications
Gaeilge Chumersaid/Italian (one exam at the end of Year 1 and another at the end of Year 2)
Certificate is awarded at three levels:
Pass60-69 %(120 – 139 credits)
Merit70-84 %(140 – 169 credits)
Distinction 85-100 %(170 – 200 credits)
There are 3 Modes of assessment:
Satisfactory completion of 44 modules 62 credits (31%)
7 Student Tasks 70 credits (35%)
Final Examinations 68 credits (34%)
Total 200 credits (100%)
