Bunclody Community College has recently added the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme (LCA), to its curriculum.
The LCA programme is a two-year Leaving Certificate course available to students who wish to follow a practical Leaving Cert with a vocational focus. The programme places a particular emphasis on preparing students for adult and working life and lifelong learning.
Work experience is a significant component of the LCA programme. Students get to sample a range of jobs and get first hand experience of the world of work. The learning experiences are active and practical where students apply their knowledge, skills and experience to real life situations in the school, in the workplace and in the wider community.
The programme sets out to recognise the talents of all students. It provides a wealth of opportunities for developing personal responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge, and helps students apply what they learn to real world situations.
There is less emphasis on the final examination as student coursework is assessed throughout the two-year programme. As students submit their LCA coursework they are awarded credits. A maximum of 200 credits can be awarded to a student over the two years..
The two-year LCA 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.
Assessment
Assessment takes place on the completion of modules, and there is also a final examination in each of the following areas:
- English and Communication
- Two vocational specialisms
- Mathematical Applications
- Language
- Social Education
Students who successfully complete the programme are awarded a Leaving Certificate from the Department of Education and Science. The certificate is awarded at three levels: Pass; Merit; and Distinction.
Who should consider doing the Leaving Cert Applied Programme?
- Someone who wants to stay in school and get a Leaving Certificate.
- Someone who prefers learning by doing.
- Someone who is motivated by continuous assessment.
- Someone who wants to get work experience to help them with their career choice.
- Someone who wants to develop skills which would help them in their future careers.
Participants will develop the following skills for work and for life.
- Communication
- Team Work
- Enterprise
- Organisation
- Self-Awareness
- Confidence
- Self-esteem
- Motivation
- Initiative
- Planning
Check out the following Information Leaflet for further information: LCA Overview Leaflet