Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)

Introduction

At Coláiste na Sceilge we offer the L.C.V.P. programme. This programme is designed to prepare students for the world of work in all its guises.

About the LCVP

The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) is an intervention designed to enhance the vocational dimension of the Leaving Certificate (established). The programme was introduced in 1994 in response to the challenge placed on Ireland’s education system by a changing work and business environment. The LCVP combines the academic strengths of the Leaving Certificate (established) with a new and dynamic focus on self–directed learning, innovation and enterprise. This two-year programme is part of an expanded provision that aims to cater for the diversity of participants’ needs at senior cycle.

The primary goal of the LCVP is to prepare young people for adult life by ensuring that they are educated in the broadest sense, with an ability to cope and thrive in an environment of rapid change. Participants in the programme are encouraged to develop skills and competencies fundamental to both academic and vocational success.

Throughout the programme students are encouraged to:

• Be innovative and enterprising
• Take responsibility for their own learning
• Adapt to changing circumstances
• Evaluate data and devise solutions to problems
• Communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively
• Work with others as part of a team
• Investigate and plan career options
• Use information and communications technologies
• Investigate local businesses and community enterprises
• Learn from their experiences

These skills and qualities are equally relevant to the needs of those preparing for further education, seeking employment or planning to start their own business.

The strong vocational focus of the LCVP is achieved by arranging Leaving Certificate subjects into Vocational Subject Groupings (VSGs) and through the provision of additional courses of study in work preparation and enterprise known as the Link Modules.

Programme Requirements

Programme Requirements for students:

• At least five Leaving Certificate subjects, one of which must be Irish plus the Link Modules
• Two of the above subjects must be selected from one of the designated Vocational Subject Groupings
• Two Link Modules: Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education
• A recognised course in a Modern European Language other than Irish or English:

What is a recognised Modern European language course for LCVP students?

• The school has the discretion in this case – there are various options open to students.
• They can take a language at Junior Certificate level or they can follow one of the FETAC language modules or the language teacher can devise a school programme in the language.

Students must take the language class for a minimum of one class period per week or equivalent over the two years of the programme within school time.
If a student is exempt from Irish for the Leaving Certificate that exemption carries for the LCVP.

Vocational Subject Groupings (VSGs)

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 Specialist Groupings consist of subjects which complement one another naturally. The Services Groupings comprise subjects which complement one another in a commercial context.