What is the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)?

  • 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.

 

Rationale for LCA

  1. Prepares learners for the demanding transition to adult and working life.
  2. Recognises talents of all learners - programme responsive to aptitudes, abilities, needs and interests.
  3. Provides opportunity to develop in terms of responsibility, self- esteem and self-knowledge.
  4. Develops communication and decision making skills.
  5. Helps learners achieve a more independent and enterprising approach to learning and to life.


ScoilPol LCA2

 List of Subjects studied while in LCA

  • English and Communications
  • ICT
  • Drama
  • Social Education
  • Woodwork
  • Vocational Preparation (Work Experience)
  • Spanish (LCA 5)
  • Irish (LCA 6)
  • Mathematical Applications
  • Hotel Catering and Tourism
  • Leisure and Recreation
  • Tutorial
  • Religion

Summary of Tasks 

Task Credit % Completed in session Assessed
1. General Education
Originating in Arts Education, Leisure & Recreation, Language or Social Education.
 10 5 1 Jan/Yr 1

2. Vocational Preparation
Originating in either Vocational Educational & Guidance or English & Communication

 10  5 2 May/Yr 1

3. Vocational Education – 1st specialism
Originating in one Vocational Specialism.

 10  5 2 May/Yr 1

4. Vocational Education – 2nd specialism
Originating in the second Vocational Specialism.

 10  5 3 Jan/Yr 2

5. Contemporary Issues
Anchored in Social Education.

 10  5 3 Jan/Yr 2

6. Practical Achievement
Generally out of school / centre

 10  5 3 Jan/Yr 2

7. Personal Reflection
Statement 1 from year 1 will be stored and returned to SEC when Statement 2 is complete

 10  5 2 & 4 May/Yr 2

LCA Modes of Assessment

Satisfactory completion of modules +90% attendance 62 credits 31%
  • Evidence of completion of 4 key assignments for each module
  • One credit per course module in which there is a final exam
  • Two credits per course module in which there is NO final exam
7 Student Tasks @ 10 credits each 70 credits 35%
Vocational Preparation Vocational Education (x2)
General Education Personal Reflection
Contemporary Issue Practical Achievement
Final Examination 68 credits 34%
English & Communication 12 credits
Vocational Specialism (x2) 12 credits each
Languages (x2) 6 credits each
Social Education 10 credits
Mathematical Applications 10 credits
Total 200 credits 100%

LCA Certification

Certification awarded at 3 levels

Pass 120 -139 credits 60 - 69%
Merit 140 -169 credits 70 - 84%
Distinction 170 - 200 credits 85 - 100%

Students who aquire less than 120 credits or who leave the programme early will receive a "Record of Experience"

Final Examinations

Area Credits

English & Communication
Oral and written incorporating audio visual

 12

Vocational Specialisms (x2)
Practical and written – practical briefs issued in advance

  12 each

Languages (x2)
Oral and written incorporating aural

 6 each

Social Education
Written incorporating audio

 10

Mathematical Applications
Written – research topic (Q.2 issued in advanced)

 10

Total

 68

   ScoilPol LCA1 ScoilPol LCA3