The Leaving Certificate Applied Programme is a two year Leaving Certificate Programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. The programme sets out to recognise the talents of all students and to provide opportunities for developing personal responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge. The programme focuses on the talents of each student and helps students apply what they learn to the real world.
The programme consists of four half year blocks called sessions. It offers alternative methods of learning and assessment for students. Students are assessed on a regular basis and all marks (credits gained) form part of the students’ Leaving Certificate grade. The Certificate is awarded at three levels – Pass; Merit & Distinction.
There is general agreement among students who have taken Leaving Certificate Applied and their parents and teachers that the programme is an excellent preparation for adult life, for further education, training and for the world of work.
Do Leaving Certificate Applied students receive a Leaving Certificate?
Yes. Students who successfully complete the programme will receive a Leaving Certificate from the State Examinations Commission. All credits awarded will be recorded on the Leaving Certificate Applied parchment.
What’s different about The Leaving Certificate Applied is that students are examined on their work as they go along.
There are 3 ways in which students gain marks:
1. Credits (marks) are awarded twice per year.
The programme is divided into half year blocks called ‘sessions’ of which there are four over the two year programme. Students are assessed on their work in January and May of each year when a session ends.
2. Credits (marks) are awarded for Tasks (major projects)
Student Tasks (projects) are assessed during an interview by external examiners appointed by the Department of Education and Science. These Tasks may be in a variety of formats - written, audio, video, artefact etc. and each student is required to produce a report on the process of completing the Task.
3. Final examinations
These take place in June with the other Certificate Examinations.