Welcome to the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP).

The LCVP is a two-year programme designed for 5th and 6th year students, adding a vocational focus to your traditional Leaving Certificate. It combines your academic subjects with practical, real-world skills in areas like self-directed learning, enterprise, work experience, and community involvement.

This programme helps you prepare for adult life by developing essential skills such as innovation, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability, equipping you to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Whether you're heading to university, further education, or directly into the workforce, LCVP gives you a competitive edge by bridging the gap between school and the real world.

To complete the LCVP, you must:

• Take at least five Leaving Certificate subjects (at Higher, Ordinary, or Foundation Level), including Irish (or additional subjects if you're exempt from Irish).
• Study two Link Modules: Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education. These modules integrate with your other subjects, connecting your school learning to future careers, enterprise, and your local community.

The LCVP focuses on two integrated Link Modules, delivered over two years as a single unit.

1. Link Module 1: Preparation for the World of Work This builds your understanding of work, job-seeking skills, career research, and real-world experience. Units include: Introduction to Working Life (e.g., local employment and differences between school and work), Job-Seeking Skills (e.g., creating CVs and practicing interviews), Career Investigation (e.g., exploring careers based on your interests and subjects), and Work Placement (at least 5 days of work experience or shadowing, ideally linked to your career goals).
2. Link Module 2: Enterprise Education This develops creativity, initiative, and enterprise skills. Units include: Enterprise Skills (e.g., teamwork and idea generation), Local Business Enterprises (e.g., visiting businesses), Local Voluntary Organisations/Community Enterprises (e.g., investigating community groups), and An Enterprise Activity (e.g., setting up a mini-company or school event).

LCVP uses active, hands-on methods rather than just classroom teaching. You'll take charge of your learning, with teachers guiding you. Key approaches include:

• Practical activities: Visits to businesses or community organisations, interviews with entrepreneurs, work placements, and group projects.
• Step-by-step process: For each activity, you'll plan, do, debrief, evaluate, and record your experiences.
• Connections: Link LCVP to your other subjects (e.g., applying Business knowledge to an enterprise project).
• Teamwork and real-world focus: Work in groups, interact with adults outside school, and use digital tools for research and presentations. Activities can happen inside or outside school, helping you build communication, problem-solving, and adaptability skills.

Assessment is at a common level and combines practical work with an exam. The Link Modules are assessed together.

• Portfolio of Coursework (60% of marks): Built over two years, including core items (e.g., CV, Career Investigation, Summary Report, Enterprise/Action Plan) and two optional items (e.g., Work Experience Diary or Enterprise Report). It highlights your activities and reflections.
• Terminal Examination Paper (40% of marks): A 2.5-hour written exam at the end of Year 2, with sections on an audio-visual presentation, a case study (provided in advance), and general questions. It tests analysis, problem-solving, and linking your experiences.