Leaving Cert Applied can prove to be an excellent alternative for students who may not be suited to the traditional leaving certificate or way want a more hands on or practical approach to learning. Check out this page to see what our L.C.A.s have been up to!
What the students say:
“It has been great. The work is hands on and interests me and challenges me in a good way. We have done loads of stuff and been so many places and had so many different workplaces giving us a real idea of the world of work. I would highly recommend it.”
Ann-Marie
“I have enjoyed every minute of it. We have done so much and learned so much. I love construction and the projects we have made. I have learned skills for life.”
Denis
About the programme
The Leaving Certificate Applied is a two year Leaving Certificate available to students who wish to follow a practical programme with a strong vocational emphasis.
What’s different about The Leaving Certificate Applied is that students are examined on their work as they go along.
The programme is divided into half year blocks called ‘sessions’ of which there are four over the two year programme. Students are assessed on their work in January and May of each year when a session ends
Students who successfully complete the programme will receive a Leaving Certificate from the State Examinations Commission. All credits awarded will be recorded on the Leaving Certificate Applied parchment.
This certificate will be awarded at three levels:
| Award |
Result |
Credits |
| Pass |
60-69 % |
(120 – 139 credits) |
| Merit |
70-84 % |
(140 – 169 credits) |
| Distinction |
85-100 % |
(170 – 200 credits) |
THE LEAVING CERTIFICATE APPLIED ASSESSMENT TAKES PLACE OVER THE TWO YEARS UNDER THREE HEADINGS:
Satisfactory Completion of Modules
Performance of Student Tasks
Performance in the Terminal Examinations.
- Modules
At the end of each Session a student is credited on satisfactory completion of the appropriate modules (coursework).
- Student Tasks
Student Tasks (projects) are assessed by external examiners appointed by the Department of Education and Science. These Tasks may be in a variety of formats – written, audio, video, artefact etc. Each student is also required to produce a report on the process of completing the Task. This report may be incorporated in the evidence of task performance.Chief Examiner Reports on all student tasks are available to download from the State Examinations Commission Website at www.examinations.ie
- Terminal Examinations
Terminal Examinations are provided in the following areas:
English and Communication
Two Vocational Specialisms
Mathematical Applications
Language (Gaeilge Chumarsáideach & Modern European Languages)
Social Education
The written examinations will generally be held in the same period as other Leaving Certificate examinations.
Oral examinations, as well as written/aural examinations, will be held in the case of all the languages including English and Communications.
Find out More about L.C.A. Click here
L.C.A features in Irish Times. Read More.