The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is a two-year senior cycle programme that offers students a hands-on, engaging and supportive route through senior cycle, leading to a nationally recognised Leaving Certificate qualification.

LCA is designed for students who learn best through active, practical and real-world learning, and it places a strong focus on building the skills and confidence students need for adult life, further education, training and employment.

The purpose of LCA

The central aim of the Leaving Certificate Applied is to support students in making a successful transition from school to adult and working life.

• Build confidence, responsibility and self-belief
• Develop communication, literacy and numeracy skills
• Learn to plan, organise, work independently and as part of a team
• Reflect on learning and recognise strengths and talents

How the LCA programme is structured

LCA is organised into four sessions across two years:

• Year 1 (5LCA): Session 1 (Sept–Jan), Session 2 (Feb–June)
• Year 2 (6LCA): Session 3 (Sept–Jan), Session 4 (Feb–June)

Across each session, students complete modules in their subjects, allowing learning to happen in clear, manageable and achievable stages.

The programme is built around three key elements

General Education

Supports personal development, communication skills, wellbeing and active citizenship.

Vocational Preparation

Prepares students for adult and working life through guidance, enterprise, communication skills and work experience.

Vocational Education

Provides practical learning through vocational subjects linked to real workplaces.

Our LCA vocational specialisms & elective

Students study two vocational specialisms. Students also study Horticulture as an elective module.

🔧 Engineering

• Practical metalwork and fabrication skills
• Safe use of tools and equipment
• Design, problem-solving and precision
• Understanding real-world engineering contexts

🍽️ Hotel, Tourism and Catering

• Food preparation and presentation
• Customer service and communication
• Health, safety and hygiene practices
• Understanding the hospitality and tourism industry

🌱 Elective module: Horticulture

• Plant care and cultivation skills
• Responsibility, planning and teamwork
• Sustainability and local environment links
• Outdoor and experiential learning for wellbeing

Student Tasks — a defining feature of LCA

Every LCA student completes exactly seven (7) Student Tasks across the two-year programme.

1. General Education Task
2. Vocational Preparation Task
3. Vocational Education Task 1
4. Vocational Education Task 2
5. Contemporary Issue Task
6. Practical Achievement Task
7. Personal Reflection Task

Together, the seven Student Tasks are worth 74 credits.

How LCA is assessed — a credit-based programme

• 74 credits (37%) – 7 Student Tasks
• 68 credits (34%) – Satisfactory completion of modules
• 58 credits (29%) – Final examinations

Over 70% of the LCA award is achieved through ongoing work, practical learning and participation.

Attendance & Key Assignments — essential for earning credits

Credits can only be awarded where a student has:

• A minimum of 90% attendance, and
• Successfully completed all required key assignments

Absences due to exceptional circumstances must be verified by the school.

Certification & progression

The Leaving Certificate Applied is awarded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

• PLC courses
• Apprenticeships and traineeships
• Further education and training
• Employment, particularly in engineering, hospitality and related sectors

Why choose LCA in our school?

• Clearly defined vocational pathways
• Strong practical and hands-on learning
• A supportive and inclusive environment
• Recognition of a wide range of skills and achievements

LCA helps students become confident, capable and motivated young adults — ready for life beyond school.