What is the Leaving Cert Applied Programme?
Original Art Work by Sean O’Dea LCA Class 2022-24
The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme is a two-year Leaving Certificate programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. The LCA focuses on achievement and excellence which the traditional Leaving Cert has not recognised.
The programme sets out to recognise the talents of all students and to provide opportunities for developing personal responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge, and helps students apply what they learn to the real world.
The two-year programme consists of four half-year blocks called sessions. Achievement is credited in each session. Courses are offered in three main areas: Vocational Preparation; General Education; and Vocational Education.
Why should you apply to follow the LCA Programme?
- You prefer learning by doing and are motivated by continuous assessment
- You would enjoy getting work experience to help with your career choice
- You’re not ready for college or university yet and would like to progress to a PLC first
- You have a good attendance record and who will meet the 90% Attendance requirement of the Programme.
How to apply for the course?
During 3rd Year and TY, students are given information about Leaving Certificate Applied and parents are invited to an information session. The students are also encouraged to take part in the ‘LCA for a Day’ event in school, where they can try out the different LCA modules and subjects. Interested students are then asked to complete an application form, after which the Programme Co-ordinator will consult with the parents, students and teachers to ensure suitability for the programme. If necessary, an interview will then follow.
The number of places available in the LCA class is generally capped at 15 each year, although this is determined annually by school management, according to the learning profiles, the physical and pastoral needs of the applicants and the anticipated group dynamic.
Numbers may be modified in order to accommodate the coordination of class time between LCA Years 1 and 2 on a needs basis each cycle.
What is different about LCA?
The Leaving Certificate Applied is a single award made on the basis of credits accumulated over four sessions and in final examinations. The students are complete a range of in school modules (31%), externally assessed task interviews (35%) and terminal state exams (34%).
A candidate may accumulate a maximum of 200 credits and they can achieve either a Pass (60%-69%), Merit (70%- 84%) or Distinction (85%-100%).
The Students take part in a minimum of 4 weeks work experience over the course of the two years and are often required to be off-site for project based work. They also have to take part in trips and visits as compulsory parts of their various modules.
What subjects are on offer?
The current Vocational Specialisms in SETSS are; Horticulture (LCA1&LCA2), Hotel Catering & Tourism (LCAa) and Graphics & Constructions Studies (LCA2).
Download an application form here