Leaving Certificate Applied

LEAVING-CERT APPLIED (LCA)

The Leaving Certificate Applied programme is a two year Leaving Certificate available to students who wish to follow a practical programme with a strong practical and vocational emphasis

This programme is characterised by educational experiences of an active, practical and student-centred nature.The word ‘applied’ is used because the programme is designed to allow the students to apply the learning and experiences they gain over the two years of the programme to practical educational tasks at school, in the workplace and in the wider community.

It is marked differently to the traditional Leaving Certificate established programme but still is a gateway to third level education.

Principles of LCA:

● Its primary objective is the preparation of participants for adult and working life.

● It is intended to meet the needs of those participants who are not adequately catered for by other Leaving Certificate programmes.

● It is a distinct and self-contained programme of two years.

● It places a premium on the personal and social development of participants.

● It has a strong community base so as to complement the school as a learning site.

● It provides access to further education and training.

What is different about the Leaving Certificate Applied?

● It includes seven Student Tasks that bring together learning experiences that the students have gained from the courses they have taken.

● It uses a unique system of assessment. The students’ work is assessed over the two years of the programme and they gain credits as they go along.

● Practical interviews and written papers are among the different forms of assessment used. The students’ communication, problem solving and practical skills are also assessed.