The Leaving Certificate Applied is a distinct two-year programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. It offers a more practical, hands-on approach to learning, focusing on developing skills for the workplace and further education.
Key features of the LCA include:
- Practical Learning: Emphasises learning by doing and applying knowledge to real-life situations.
- Vocational Focus: Includes work experience and the study of vocational specialisms, providing insights into different career paths.
- Continuous Assessment: Students accumulate credits throughout the two years through module completion and the completion of Student Tasks, alongside final examinations.
- Three Main Elements: The programme is structured around Vocational Preparation, Vocational Education, and General Education.
- Recognition of Achievement: Students receive a Leaving Certificate awarded at three levels: Pass, Merit, and Distinction.
Course Structure:
Each course consists of a number of modules; a module generally represents half a year’s work and there is provision for some choice of modules. Choice also exists in relation to Vocational Specialisms; two courses are selected from the following Vocational Specialisms:
- Agriculture/Horticulture
- Hotel Catering and Tourism -Engineering
- Technology
- Office Administration and Customer Care
- Childcare/Community Care
- Graphics and Construction Studies
- Craft and Design
- Hair and Beauty
- Information and Communications Technology
- Active Leisure Studies
- Four elective modules must also be chosen
Careers
The LCA has a strong vocational dimension, which equips students with skills for the world of work and life-long learning. Students wishing to further their education can do so by progressing into Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses. These are one-year courses (two in some cases) in a very wide range of specialist areas. PLC courses are at level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
Graduates of LCA who progress to an approved further education award (e.g. PLC) can become eligible for admission to some third level courses in the Institutes of Technology and following that to some degree courses in the Institutes of Technology and in the Universities.
The LCA is an excellent option for students who thrive in a more applied learning environment and who are looking to develop practical skills for their future. It can lead to Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, apprenticeships, and direct entry into the workforce.