The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is a two-year programme offered to students in Ireland as an alternative to the traditional Leaving Certificate. The LCA programme is designed to cater to students who may struggle with the academic pressures of the Leaving Certificate and provide them with a practical and vocational education.
The LCA programme is taught in an active and engaging manner, with a focus on continuous assessment. This means that students are assessed on their coursework and projects throughout the two years of the programme, rather than through a final exam at the end. This approach allows students to demonstrate their learning in a more comprehensive way and can help to alleviate the stress associated with a high-stakes final exam.
The LCA programme provides students with practical skills that are directly relevant to the workplace, as well as a foundation in key academic subjects such as English, Maths, and Irish. The programme also includes work experience, which allows students to gain valuable on-the-job training and develop essential employability skills.
Overall, the LCA programme provides an excellent gateway into further education and enhances students’ career prospects. Students who complete the programme are well-equipped to enter the workforce or pursue further education at third-level institutions. The LCA programme is constantly evaluated to ensure that it maximises student opportunities for success, and the programme has a strong track record of producing excellent results for students.