Candidates taking the LCVP have a unique opportunity to develop their interpersonal, vocational and technological skills. These skills are equally relevant to the needs of those preparing for further education, seeking employment or planning to start their own business.

Programme Requirements

Requirements for the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, which is of two years' duration, are as follows:

• as an LCVP student, you must take a minimum of five Leaving Certificate Subjects (at Higher, Ordinary or Foundation Level) including Irish
• two of the above must be selected from one of the designated Vocational Subject Groupings listed in the table below.
• you must study the two Link Modules, namely Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education and
• you will be required to follow a recognised course in a Modern European Language (other than Irish or English).

Students opting for an alternative to the Leaving Certificate Modern European Language or who are exempt from studying Irish must take an additional subject to ensure a minimum of 5 Leaving Certificate subjects.

Candidates repeating LCVP must meet all programme requirements in their repeat year. The Link Modules involves two years of study and portfolio preparation. Accordingly the portfolio element is not capable of being repeated within one year where a candidate is repeating other subjects. For assessment purposes the marks obtained in respect of a portfolio assessed in 2007 will be carried forward and aggregated with the marks from the written examination obtained in 2008. New or revised portfolios will not be accepted. A separate entry form will be forwarded to you on receipt of your application.

Assessment, Certification and Recognition

Assessment of Leaving Certificate Subjects

LCVP students follow the same subject syllabi and are assessed in the same way as their peers in the Leaving Certificate (established).

Assessment of the Link Modules

The Link Modules, Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education are treated as a unit for assessment purposes. Assessment, which is at a common level, comprises two elements, a Terminal Examination Paper and a Portfolio of Coursework.

The formal assessment of the Links Modules has two components:

• A centrally set written examination (160 marks),with video, case study and syllabus section, taken nationally on the first Wednesday in May.
• A portfolio (240 )marks prepared by each candidate using agreed and published guidelines.

The 2010 schedule of examinations requires the portfolio of coursework for the 2010 LCVP Examination to be completed on 21st April 2010. The 2011 Link Modules written examination is timetabled for 4th May.

Certification

LCVP students are awarded the same certification as is used in the Leaving Certificate (established). An additional statement of the grade received for the link modules is appended to that certification. Grades for the Link Modules are presented in the following categories :-

Distinction (80 - 100%)
Merit         (65 - 79%)
Pass         (50 - 64%)

Recognition

LCVP students have the same opportunity to proceed to Universities and other Third Level Institutions as students in the Leaving Certificate (established).

The Links Modules result can be submitted for a candidates 6th subject in the Leaving Certificate for University and Institute of Technology CAO points purposes. For the purpose of assessment of applications, the CAO may be contacted with regard to the points assigned to the link module grades obtained.

Further information on LCVP is available on www.lcvp.ie.