The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) is a two year programme designed to enhance the vocational dimension of the Leaving Certificate. The programme was introduced in response to a changing work and business environment. The LCVP combines the academic strengths of the Leaving Certificate with a dynamic focus on self-directed learning, innovation and enterprise. LCVP students follow the same subject syllabi and are assessed in the same way as their peers in the Leaving Certificate. Throughout the programme students are encouraged to be innovative and enterprising and take responsibility for their own learning

The strong vocational focus of the LCVP is achieved by arranging Leaving Certificate subjects into Vocational Groupings and through the provision of additional courses of study in work preparation and enterprise known as Link Modules. For the Link Modules they are assessed by Written Examination (40%) and by Portfolio of Coursework (60%). The written examination is of two and a half hours duration and takes place in May of the Leaving Certificate year.

Programme Requirements

Programme requirements for students taking the Leaving Certificate Examination –

• At least five Leaving Certificate subjects plus the Link Modules, one of which must be Irish. If a student is exempt from Irish for the Leaving Certificate, they are automatically exempt for the LCVP and students should replace Irish with another subject.
• 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

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 each other naturally and the Services Groupings comprise subjects which complement one another in a commercial context.

Certification

LCVP students receive the same certification as other Leaving Certificate students but their Certificate includes an additional statement of the results of Link Modules. Grades for the Link Modules are as follows: