Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

The goal of the LCVP is to prepare young people for adult life by ensuring that they are educated in the broadest sense, with an ability to cope and thrive in an environment of rapid change. Participants in the programme are encouraged to develop skills and competencies fundamental to both academic and vocational success.

Throughout the programme students are encouraged to;

ݘ      be innovative and enterprising

ݘ      take responsibility for their own learning

ݘ      adapt to changing circumstances

ݘ      evaluate data and devise solutions to problems

ݘ      communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively

ݘ      work with others as part of a team

ݘ      investigate and plan career options

ݘ      use information and communications technologies

ݘ      investigate local business and community enterprises

ݘ      learn from their experiences

These skills and qualities are equally relevant to the needs of those preparing for further education, seeking employment or planning to start their own business

ݘ       The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme is an enhanced traditional Leaving

            Certificate programme

ݘ      LCVP students take seven subjects in their Leaving Cert (plus the LCVP Link Modules)

ݘ      LCVP students are in the same classes as students taking the traditional Leaving Cert

ݘ      LCVP students sit the same exams as students taking the traditional Leaving Cert

ݘ      LCVP students get the same certificate as students taking the traditional Leaving Cert

ݘ      The Link Modules count for points for entry to university or institutes of technology

So what’s the difference between the ordinary Leaving Cert and LCVP?

As well as their seven Leaving Cert subjects, LCVP students take an extra two modules;

ݘ      Enterprise Education

ݘ      Preparation for the World of Work

These modules are covered in one double period per week. This is an activity-based programme and students learn through doing, i.e. they participate in activities through which they learn valuable life skills;

ݘ      Communication skills

ݘ      Computer skills

ݘ      Job search skills

ݘ      Enterprise skills

ݘ      Teamwork skills

What sort of Activities do LCVP students participate in?

ݘ      Investigation of your community

ݘ      An enterprise activity

ݘ      A career investigation and work shadowing

ݘ      Visitors to the classroom

ݘ      Visit to a workplace and interview the owner

ݘ      Oral presentations to peer groups/use of audio-visual equipment

ݘ      Mock interview, preparation of CV, etc

ݘ      Introduction to computers

ݘ      Charitable activities

Who is eligible for a place on the LCVP course?

Any student taking the traditional Leaving Certificate who studies a modern language and a certain subject combination can apply for a place on the course. Subject combinations are determined by the Department of Education and listed below. All Leaving Cert Students study seven subjects but LCVP students also study the Link Modules (Enterprise Education & Preparation for the World of Work)

How are the Link Modules assessed?

Students present a portfolio of their work (60%) and sit a two and a half hour exam in May (40%). The Portfolio will contain;

ݘ      Curriculum Vitae

ݘ      Career Investigation

ݘ      Summary Report

ݘ      Action/Enterprise Plan

ݘ      Plus any two of the following;

ü  Recorded Interview/Presentation

ü  Diary of Work Experience

ü  Enterprise Report

ü  Report on ‘My Own Place’

How many C.A.O. points are given for the Link Modules and the Portfolio in L.C.V.P.? Points are awarded for the Universities and the Institutes of Technologies as follows;

ݘ      Distinction (70)

ݘ      Merit (50)

ݘ      Pass (30)

For further details please visit; www.lcvp.ie