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Leaving Cert Applied Programme
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What is the Leaving Certificate Applied?
It is a distinct, self-contained, two year Leaving Certificate programme aimed at preparing learners for adult and working life.
It emphasises forms of achievement and excellence which the established Leaving Certificate has not recognised in the past.
It offers a specific opportunity to prepare for and progress to further education and training.
Why choose Leaving Cert Applied?
- It prepares learners for the demanding transition to adult and working life.
- Recognises talents of all learners – the programme responds to student’s abilities, needs and interests and offers flexibility.
- Provides opportunity to develop in terms of responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge.
- Develops communication and decision-making skills.
- Helps learners achieve a more independent and enterprising approach to learning and to life.
Leaving Cert Applied is about LEARNING through DOING
What Subjects will I study in Leaving Cert Applied?
- Career Preparation & Guidance
- English & Communications
- Mathematical Applications
- Hotel, Catering and Tourism
- Information Communication Technology (IT)
- Art and Music
- Social Education
- Languages – Gaeilge (for ONE year) & German/Spanish/French (for ONE year)
- Leisure & Recreation
Work Experience
- Work Experience is a key element of the Leaving Cert Applied Programme.
- Students will need to complete FOUR work experience placements (2 per year)
- Work Experience takes place on one day every week which gives students the knowledge and experience of the working world
- This module also provides students with an understanding of what they need to achieve throughout their course to excel in their chosen career.
Assessment
Another key difference between Leaving Cert Applied and Traditional Leaving Cert is in assessment.
There are THREE main elements to assessment in LCA.
- Continuous assessment based on class attendance and completion of key assignments
- Completion of Student tasks
- Completion of final exams in 5 subjects
The total number of credits available across all these areas is 200. They are divided up as follows:
(90% Attendance & Punctuality in each subject is mandatory)
Satisfactory completion of modules/
assignments within each subject 62 credits (31%)
7 Student Tasks 70 credits (35%)
Final Examinations 68 credits (34%)
Total 200 credit (100%)
Students are awarded their official results from the Department of Education at the end of each session so they are aware of their progress during the course, three times before they complete their final year exams.
Their Leaving Cert is awarded in August following their exams, as follows:
Certificate awarded at three levels:
- Pass 60-69 % (120 - 139 credits)
- Merit 70-84 % (140 - 169 credits)
- Distinction 85-100 % (170 - 200 credits)
What written exams will I take at the end of 6th year?
- English and Communication (Written and Oral)
- Hotel, Catering and Tourism and IT
- Mathematical Applications
- Language (Gaeilge & Modern European Languages) (Written and Oral)
- Social Education
There are 7 Tasks in which I can earn credits for assessment. What is a TASK?
A Task is a practical activity which is carried out individually or in a group. Research is carried out before the activity happens. It could be one of the following:
- The development of a product (e.g, making a product and selling it on Market Day)
- The investigation of an issue (e.g, researching a social problem which affects young people today)
- The provision of a service (e.g, preparing a multi-cultural meal for teachers)
- The staging of an event (e.g, running a quiz, raffle etc)
The Task will be written up like a project and each student will be interviewed by an outside examiner.
Here are some quotes from students who have completed the Leaving Cert Applied Programme at Coláiste Pobail Setanta
Here are some reasons why these students chose Leaving Cert Applied over the Traditional Leaving Cert
