LCVP
The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) is an intervention designed to enhance the vocational dimension of the Leaving Certificate (established). The LCVP combines the academic strengths of the Leaving Certificate (established) with a focus on self–directed learning, innovation and enterprise. This two-year programme is part of an expanded provision that aims to cater for the diversity of participants’ needs at senior cycle.
Students study two LCVP Modules – Preparation for the World of Work & Enterprise Education – in addition to their traditional Leaving Certificate subjects. Over the course of their two years in senior cycle, LCVP students will have to prepare a portfolio of work which is worth 60% of overall marks. They will also be required to sit a written terminal examination – this will take place May of their Leaving Certificate year.
Programme Requirements
Programme Requirements for students taking the Leaving Certificate Examination are:
- At least five Leaving Certificate subjects plus the Link Modules, one of which must be Irish
- Two of the above subjects must be selected from one of the designated Vocational Subject Groupings
- Two Link Modules: Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education
- A recognised course in a Modern European Language other than Irish or English
Vocational Subject Groupings (VSGs)
Two subjects are selected from one of the Vocational Subject Groupings. These subjects provide students with a focus for developing vocational skills and exploring their career options.
The Specialist Groupings consist of subjects which complement one another naturally. The Services Groupings comprise subjects which complement one another in a commercial context.
Specialist Groupings
1 Construction Studies; Engineering; Design and Communication Graphics; Technology – Any Two
2 Physics and Construction Studies or Engineering or Technology or Design & Communication Graphics
3 Agricultural Science and Construction Studies or Engineering or Technology or DCG
4 Agricultural Science and Chemistry or Physics or Physics/Chemistry
5 Home Economics; Agricultural Science; Biology – Any Two
6 Home Economics and Art – Design Option or Craft Option
7 Accounting; Business; Economics – Any two
8 Physics and Chemistry
9 Biology and Chemistry or Physics or Physics/Chemistry
10 Biology and Agricultural Science
11 Art – Design Option or Craft Option and Design & Communication Graphic Services Groupings
12 Engineering or Technology or Construction Studies or Design & Communication Graphics and Accounting or Business or Economics
13 Home Economics and Accounting or Business or Economics
14 Agricultural Science and Accounting or Business or Economics
15 Art Design or Craftwork Option and Accounting or Business or Economics
16 Music and Accounting or Business or Economics The Link Modules Students taking the Leaving Certificate Examination will follow two Link Modules over the course of the two years:
Link Module I – Preparation for the World of Work
Students will research and investigate local employment opportunities, develop job seeking skills such as letter writing, CV presentation, interview techniques; gain valuable practical experience of the world of work; interview and work shadow a person in a career area that interests them.
Link Module II – Enterprise Education
Students will be involved in organising visits to local business and community enterprises; meet and interview enterprising people on site and in the classroom; plan and undertake interesting activities that will build self–confidence, creativity, initiative and develop teamwork, communication and computer skills.
Assessment of the Link Modules
LCVP students follow the same subject syllabi and are assessed in the same way as their peers in the Leaving Certificate. For the Link Modules they are assessed by Written Examination (40%) and by Portfolio of Coursework (60%). The written examination takes place in May of the Leaving Certificate Year. The examination is of two and a half hours duration and consists of three sections which are outline below.
The structure of the Written Examination is as follows:
Section A: Audio Visual Presentation
Section B: Case Study (received in advance by students)
Section C: General Questions (4 out of 6)
The Portfolio of Coursework accounts for 60% of total marks. Students assemble the portfolio over the two years of the programme and it is submitted in March of their Leaving Certificate year.
The Portfolio and Written Examination are externally assessed by the Department of Education & Science.
LINK MODULES – PORTFOLIO OF COURSEWORK
CORE ITEMS
Curriculum Vitae
Career Investigation
Enterprise/Action Plan
Summary Report
OPTIONAL ITEMS (any two)
Diary of Work Experience
Enterprise Report
Recorded Interview/Presentation Report on My Own Place
Certification Grades for the Link Modules are as follows:
Grade Per cent
Distinction 80% – 100%
Merit 65% – 79%
Pass 50% – 64%
The Link Modules are recognised for point’s purposes by the Institutes of Technology and the Universities.
The points are allocated as follows:
Grade Universities and Institutes of Technology Award
Distinction 66 points
Merit 46 points
Pass 28 points