The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

What is LCVP?
The LCVP is a Leaving Certificate with a focus on enterprise and preparation for working life and all students are eligible to study it, providing they are taking a minimum of five Leaving Certificate subjects. 
This two year programme combines the academic strengths of the Leaving Certificate with a dynamic focus on self directed learning, enterprise, work and the community. Participants in the programme are encouraged to develop skills and competencies fundamental to both academic and vocational success.

What will students study in LCVP?
Students will follow two Link Modules over the course of the two years.

Link Module I - Preparation for the World of Work
This module is designed to develop students’ general understanding of the world of work, introduce them to career research and provide them with the knowledge and skills to find employment.
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 and work shadow a person in a career area that interests them.

Link Module II - Enterprise Education
This module aims to develop creativity, resourcefulness, self confidence and initiative. Students are encouraged to interview enterprising people, investigate local enterprises and to set up their own enterprise projects.

Typically, LCVP students take seven Leaving Certificate Subjects plus the Link Modules.

What skills and opportunities will students gain?
By engaging in the LCVP, students will have the chance to:
• Be innovative and enterprising
• Take responsibility for their own learning
• Adapt to changing circumstances
• Evaluate data and devise solutions to problems
• Communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively
• Work with others as part of a team
• Investigate and plan career options
• Use information and communications technologies
• Investigate local businesses and community enterprises
• Learn from their experiences

Assessment
LCVP students follow the same subject syllabuses, and are assessed in the same way, as their peers in the Leaving Certificate (established).

Assessment, which is at a common level, comprises two elements:
1. A Terminal Examination Paper (in May of 6th Year) worth 40%
2. A Portfolio of Coursework worth 60%

Both are assessed by the State Examinations Commission (SEC).

Certification
LCVP students receive the same certificate as students of the Leaving Certificate (established). An additional statement of the grade received for the Link Modules is appended to the certificate.

Grades for the Link Modules are awarded as follows:
• Distinction (80 - 100%)
• Merit (65 - 79%)
• Pass (50 - 64%)

The points that you can achieve are as follows:
• Distinction = 66 points
• Merit = 46 points
• Pass = 28 points

LCVP Coordinator: Ms M Bradley