This is an additional programme which runs in conjunction with the conventional Leaving Certificate. It focuses on enterprise and preparation for the world of work. It provides an additional qualification/subject for those who meet the entry requirements. The majority of our students take this option and many count it as one of their six subjects for entry into college. All colleges in Ireland now accept LCVP as a subject. The programme involves coursework (60%) including work experience, an extensive portfolio, a mini company, a recorded interview and a final exam (40%).
The Leaving Certificate Programme can be described as an enhanced Leaving Certificate whereby students choosing the Established Leaving Certificate choose to undertake two extra modules as part of their Leaving Certificate known as the Link Modules.
The two Link Modules consist of:
LCVP is aimed at students who have a vocational emphasis in their subject choices. Therefore, the decision to follow the LCVP route will generally be taken when subject choices have been made. LCVP is an ideal course for students who will be taking around three to five Higher Level subjects in their Leaving Certificate.
The LCVP programme combines the academic strengths of the Leaving Certificate with a dynamic focus on self-directed learning, enterprise, work and the community. The primary goal of the LCVP programme is to prepare young people for the world of work.
Throughout the programme students are encouraged to:
LCVP students follow the same subject syllabi and are assessed in the same way as their peers undertaking the established Leaving Certificate.
For the Link Modules they are assessed by Written Examination (40%) and by Portfolio of Coursework (60%).
The Portfolio of coursework must be submitted on the first Wednesday in March of the Leaving Certificate year while the written examination takes place on the first Wednesday in May of the Leaving Certificate Year.
The structure of the Link Modules examination is of two and a half hours’ duration and consists of three sections. The Portfolio of Coursework accounts for 60% of the total marks for the Link Modules examination.
Students assemble the portfolio over the two years of the programme and it is assessed at the end of the final year of the Leaving Certificate. The Portfolio and Written Examination are externally assessed by the State Examinations Commission.
| Core Items (all four) | Optional Items (any two) |
| Curriculum Vitae | Diary of work Experience |
| Action Plan | My Own Place Report |
| Summary Report | Enterprise Plan |
| Career Investigation | Recorded Interview |
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.
The Link Modules result is awarded at either Pass, Merit or Distinction. The Link Modules are recognised for the purposes of Leaving Certificate points by the Institutes of Technology and the Universities.
| Percentage Grade | Points Awarded |
| Pass 50 – 64 | 28 |
| Merit 65 – 79 | 46 |
| Distinction 80 – 100 | 66 |
