Services – Youth Training Centre
Leaving Cert Applied
What is the Leaving Certificate Applied?
The Leaving Certificate Applied is a recognised Leaving Certificate from the Department of Education. It encourages students to apply their knowledge, skills and experiences acquired on the programme, in preparation for future work, and/or further education. The programme is a full-time two-year course and is divided into four sessions over the two-year period. These sessions are sub-divided into periods of study known as modules. Below is the list of modules outlined by the Department of Education and Science, which all participants must undertake:
Vocational Preparation
This module prepares participants for the future work place. Subjects studied are: English and Communications, Job Search and Guidance. Participants are also placed on work experience twice a year for a period of two weeks.
Vocational Education
This module encourages students to develop their practical skills by studying Maths, Information Technology, Hotel Catering and Tourism, Community Care and Cultural Programmes.
General Education
This module includes a modern European language, Irish, Leisure Studies and Social Education. Note that the European language courses are designed for complete beginners.
Tasks: What is a task?
Students must also undertake seven tasks during the two-year programme. Tasks are similar to projects. All tasks are based in particular subjects and are completed in the classroom with the assistance of the teacher. These tasks are assessed by the Department of Education and the credits that are awarded to the students are carried forward to make up a percentage of their final year marks.
Credits: What is a Credit?
A credit is the term used by the Department of Education for the marking system. Below is an outline of the credits awarded for the Leaving Certificate Programme.
Completion Modules: 62 Credits (31%)
Tasks: 70 Credits (35%)
Final Examination: 68 Credits (34%)
Do I have to sit Exams?
The final year examinations are taken in the second year of the course, and participants sit examinations in English and Communications, Maths, Office Administration and Customer Care, Social Education, Hotel Catering and Tourism, Irish or French.
The overall results of the Leaving Certificate Applied awarded by the Department of Education are graded as follows:
Pass: 120-139Credits: 60-69%
Merit: 140-169Credits: 70-84%
Distinction: 170-200Credits: 85-100%
Attendance
All students must achieve a 90% attendance rate in order to successfully complete the programme.
