AIMS AND PRINCIPLES

The main aim of the Leaving Certificate Applied is to prepare participants for transition from the world of the school to that of adult and working life. The programme

has as a primary objective the development of the participants’ literacy and numeracy skills

places a premium on the personal and social development of participants

provides opportunities to develop the participants’ processes of self-evaluation and reflection

encourages strong community links to complement the school as a learning site

promotes the use of a broad range of teaching methodologies and participant-centred learning

provides access to further education and training

 

ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAMME

The Leaving Certificate Applied is made up of a range of courses that are structured around three elements:

                Vocational Preparations

                Vocational Education

                General Education

 

Courses are designed on a modular basis and are of thirty hours duration.  Each year is divided into two sessions (September to January and February to May) over the two-year duration of the programme.  Learners must take a total of 44 modules.  They are also required to complete seven Student Tasks over the two years of the programme

 

ASSESSMENT

As learners complete their course work they collect credits.  It is possible to collect a total of 200 credits.  A certificate is awarded at three levels: Distinction (170-200 credits): Merit (140-169 credits): Pass (120-139).  Students who accumulate fewer than 120 credits receive a Record of Experience.