Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)

Michael Duffy

What is the Leaving Certificate 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.

Rationale

Prepares students for adult and working life

Recognises talents of all pupilsPromotes communication and decision-

making skillsApplies knowledge and skills to the

solution of real problems

Who would benefit most?

Students who are not adequately catered for by other Leaving Cert programmes

Students who choose not to opt for those programmes

LCA Curriculum (2 Years, 4 Sessions)

Vocational Preparation & Guidance

English & Communications

Mathematical Applications

Information Technology

Vocational Specialisms

Arts EducationLanguagesLeisure & RecreationSocial EducationElective Modules

Do Leaving Certificate Applied students receive a Leaving Certificate?

Yes. 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.

Assessment Modules

Requirement:90% AttendanceEvidence of completion of 4 key

assignments for each module

Value of Credits

Modules of non-examination courses have a value of two credits

Modules of courses which have a final examination have a value of one credit

Timing of assessment:At the end of each session (Approximately

11 modules per session)

Assessment Tasks

Requirements:Evidence of task completionIndividual task reportIndividual presentation of task at interview

with external examiner (except Personal Reflection task)

Credit

1 Vocational Preparation task - 10 credits2 Vocational Education tasks - 10 credits

each1 General Education Task - 10 credits1 Personal Reflection task - 10 credits1 Contemporary Issue task - 10

credits1 Practical Achievement task - 10 credits

Assessment Final Examinations

English and Communication 12 credits Oral plus Written, incorporating audio / visualVocational Specialisms (2) 12 credits

(each) Practical and writtenLanguages (2) 6 credits each Oral plus Written incorporating aural Social Education 10 credits Written, incorporating audio tapeMathematical Applications 10 credits Written

Total = 68 credits

Assessment

3 Modes of Assessment:

Credits %

1. Satisfactory completion of

Modules62

31%

2. Seven Student Tasks

70 35%

3. Final Examination

68 34%

Total 200 credits 100%

Certificate awarded at three levels:

Award Mark (%) Credits

Pass 60 – 69 120 – 139

Merit 70 – 84 140 – 169

Distinction 85 - 100 170 - 200