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Curriculum
Leaving Certificate Applied
LCA is a relatively new programme in Clonaslee College, only being introduced in 2022. Our initial cohort successfully completed the programme in 2024, with the majority of our students receiving Distinctions.
Leaving Certificate Applied is a two-year Leaving Certificate programme, aimed at preparing learners for adult and working life and provides means for progressing to further education and training. It is especially designed for students who prefer to learn by doing and is distinct, self-contained separate programme from the established Leaving Certificate programme.
It emphasises forms of achievement and excellence which the established Leaving Certificate has not recognised in the past. Students’ work and skill development is assessed in different ways including interviews, written, oral and practical components.
The two-year programme consists of four half-year blocks called sessions. There is less emphasis on the final examinations as coursework is completed throughout the two years. As students complete and submit their coursework they are awarded ‘credits’. There are 200 credits available in total, which are awarded as follows:
MODULES – 62 credits total (31%)
- Satisfactory completion of modules and 90% attendance in each module.
- Completion of Key Assignments in each module.
STUDENT TASKS – 70 credits total (35%)
- 7 tasks at 10 credits each.
FINAL EXAMINATION- 68 credits total (34%)
- 7 state examinations completed assessed by external examiners
- English and Communications
- Mathematics
- Hotel and Catering
- Agriculture/Horticulture
- Gaeilge Chumarsáideach
- French
- Social Education
Students who complete the programme are awarded as follows:
- Distinction – 170 to 200 credits (85%-100%)
- Merit- 140-169 credits (70%-84%)
- Pass – 120 -139 (60%-69%)
Work experience is a key component of the LCA programme in Clonaslee College. Students undertake work experience for one full day per week (each Thursday), in two different settings during the academic year. Securing work experience is the responsibility of the individual student, but support will be provided by the school. Placements should ideally reflet the career path that students would like to follow after finishing LCA.
Our current LCAs student have provided some feedback the benefits they feel they have gained from participating in the LCA programme.
‘I like the work experience because it has helped me figure out what career I’d like to do after school.’
‘Agriculture and Horticulture has loads of practical elements so its hands on and enjoyable’
‘There is less pressure for exams because you’re doing key assignments in class and your attendance counts towards your overall grade.’
‘We have small classes, so you get to know your classmates really well and teachers have loads of time to help you’.
For more information, please contact our LCA Coordinator, Mr. James Madden.