Leaving Certificate Programme

Leaving Certificate Established

Subject Options

At Le Chéile Secondary School, we offer an extensive range of senior cycle option subjects at all levels which cater for the career progression of students into third level education.

  • Students study English, Irish and Maths and then choose a further 4 option subjects from a range of 17 subjects on offer at Le Chéile Secondary School.

  • Senior Cycle subject choices are also determined by potential career progressions and our guidance counsellor provides support to students through careers classes, open days to universities and individual career guidance appointments.

  • Gaeilge

  • English

  • Maths

Exam Subjects

  • Religious Education

  • Physical Education (PE)

  • Career Guidance

  • SPHE

Non-Exam Subjects

Optional Exam Subjects

The following Optional Subjects will be offered – 4 subjects will be chosen from this list:

  • Business

  • Economics

  • Home Economics

  • Art

  • Music

  • Construction studies

  • Design and Communication Graphics (DCG) 

  • History

  • Geography

  • French / German

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Physics

  • Applied Maths

  • Agricultural Science

  • Accounting

Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)

The Leaving Certificate Applied is a distinct two-year Leaving Certificate programme, aimed at preparing students for adult and working life.

• The programme seeks to recognise the talents of all students.

• The practical emphasis helps students apply what they learn in the real world.

• Students attend work experience one day a week, providing a unique insight into the world of work and assisting students to determine their future career pathways.

• LCA is an innovative programme in the way students learn, in what they learn and in the way their achievements are recognised and assessed.

• This programme offers subjects with a vocational dimension such as Hotel, Catering and Tourism, Visual Art, Social Education, English & Communications, Mathematical Applications, Irish, Spanish, Work Experience, Vocational Preparation and Guidance and ICT.

• LCA provides an excellent pathway to Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses.

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)

What is the LCVP?

The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) combines the academic rigour of the established Leaving Certificate with a practical, vocational dimension. It is designed to help students develop real-world skills, enhance their employability, and successfully transition to further education, training or work.

At Le Chéile, the LCVP is offered as an option within our Senior Cycle programme to students in 5th and 6th Year.

Key Aims & Benefits

Through the LCVP, students are encouraged to:

  • Be innovative and enterprising

  • Take responsibility for their own learning

  • Adapt to changing circumstances

  • Analyse information and devise solutions to problems

  • Communicate effectively

  • Work collaboratively in teams

  • Explore career paths and plan for the future

  • Use digital technologies purposefully

  • Engage with local businesses and community enterprises

  • Learn from practical, hands-on experiences

These skills are highly relevant whether a student aims to go to college, vocational training or straight into employment.

Structure & Modules

Link Modules

The vocational dimension of LCVP is delivered through two Link Modules over the two years of the programme:

  • Link Module I: Preparation for the World of Work
    Here, students research local employment opportunities and develop job-seeking skills such as CV and cover letter writing, interview techniques, and work shadowing.

  • Link Module II: Enterprise Education
    In this module, students engage with local businesses and community enterprises, organise visits, and develop and execute projects that build creativity, teamwork, communication and initiative.

Students taking LCVP will also follow their chosen Leaving Certificate subjects (typically seven subjects) alongside the Link Modules.

Teaching, Learning & Assessment

  • Teaching & Learning: The LCVP uses active, student-centred methodologies including project work, investigations, enterprise activities, and community visits.

  • ICT Integration: Students will develop their digital literacy through preparing presentations, reports, CVs and other portfolio items.

  • Assessment:
      • Written Examination (40 %) - includes an audio-visual presentation, a case study, and general questions.
      • Portfolio of Coursework (60 %) - compiled over two years, including items such as a career investigation, CV, enterprise plan, work experience diary, etc.

Assessment of the Link Modules is externally graded by the State Examinations Commission. The portfolio is submitted in early March, and the written exam is held in early May of the Leaving Certificate year.

Recognition & Points

  • Students receive the same Leaving Certificate certificate as their peers, with an additional notation that records results in the Link Modules.

  • The Link Modules carry points for Third Level institutions:
      • Distinction - 66 points
      • Merit - 46 points
      • Pass - 28 points

Is the LCVP for You?

If you are a student committed to combining academic study with practical learning, and wish to develop skills that will serve you beyond school, the LCVP is a strong option. It helps bridge the gap between school and the world of work or further study.

At Le Chéile, we encourage any student considering the LCVP to discuss it with Ms Hickey our Guidance Counsellor and their Year Head to see how it fits with their subject choices and future goals.

Previous

Transition Year
Next

Des Inspection Reports