Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

LCVP is a Senior Cycle Programme of the Dept. of Education and Science, designed to give a strong vocational dimension to the Leaving Certificate. The Programme combines the virtues of academic study with a new and dynamic focus on self-directed learning, enterprise, work and the community. It is an intervention introduced in response to the challenge placed on the Irish Education system by a changing work and business environment.

LCVP combines the academic strengths of the Leaving Certificate with a new and dynamic focus on self-directed learning, innovation and enterprise. It is a two-year programme, which aims to cater for the diversity of participants’ needs at Senior Cycle.

The primary goal of LCVP is to prepare young people for adult life by ensuring that they are educated in the broadest sense with the ability to cope and thrive in an environment of rapid change. Young people taking LCVP have a unique opportunity to develop their interpersonal, vocational and technological skills.

Course Requirements

LCVP students must take a minimum of five Leaving Certificate subjects. Two of the five subjects must be selected from one of the designated Vocational Subject Groupings –these are groups of L.C. subjects, which link naturally together.

Another requirement of the course is that they must follow a recognised course in a Modern Skill learned through L.C.V.P, such as planning, researching, writing reports and making presentations. These skills are viewed as a key to success at third level.

Students must study a European language in addition to Irish and English. They also study two additional Link Modules, Preparation for the World of Word and Enterprise Education.

These Link Modules are activity-based and they are designed to help students make the connections between school and community, study and future career, enterprise and the business of making a living.

Employers are enthusiastic about L.C.V.P because it encourages the qualities which they value. Modern workers need to be well-educated good communicators, multi - skilled and able to work in a team.

LCVP students receive the same certificate as other Leaving Certificate students but their Certificate includes an additional statement of the results of the Link Modules.