Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)
LCVP is a Senior Cycle Programme of the Department of Education and Skills, designed to give a strong vocational dimension to the Leaving Certificate (established). 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 a two-year programme and it is offered as an extra subject here in Gort Community School.
Young people in Gort Community School, 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.
The primary goal of the LCVP is to prepare young people for adult life by ensuring that they are educated in the broadest sense, with an ability to cope and thrive in an environment of rapid change. Participants in the programme are encouraged to develop skills and competencies fundamental to both academic and vocational success.
Throughout the programme students are encouraged to:
- Be innovative and enterprising
- Take responsibility for their own learning
- Adapt to changing circumstances
- Evaluate data and devise solutions to problems
- Communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively
- Work with others as part of a team
- Investigate and plan career options
- Use information and communications technologies
- Investigate local businesses and community enterprises
- Learn from their experiences
The Link Modules
Students taking the Leaving Certificate Examination will follow two Link Modules over the course of the two years.
Link Module I – Preparation for the World of Work
Students will research and investigate local employment opportunities, develop job seeking skills such as letter writing, CV presentation, interview techniques; gain valuable practical experience of the world of work; interview and work shadow a person in a career area that interests them.
Link Module II – Enterprise Education
Students will be involved in organising visits to local business and community enterprises; meet and interview enterprising people on site and in the classroom; plan and undertake interesting activities that will build self–confidence, creativity, initiative and develop teamwork communication and computer skills.
Requirements for the two-year Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme from September 2022 are as follows:
LCVP students
- Must take a minimum of five Leaving Certificate subjects (at Higher, Ordinary or Foundation Level) including Irish. Students who are exempt from studying Irish, must take additional subject(s) to ensure that they present a minimum of five Leaving Certificate subjects in their Leaving Certificate examination.
The Link Modules are graded on both a written exam (May of Leaving Certificate Year) and a Portfolio of Coursework which is written over the two years (submitted in early March of Leaving Certificate year).
Written exam: 40%
Portfolio: 60%
The Link Modules grading system:
Grade | Percentage | Points | Subject Equivalent |
Distinction | 80% – 100% | 66 Points | H4 or more than a O1 (56 points) |
Merit | 65% – 79% | 46 Points | H6, O2 |
Pass | 50% – 64% | 28 Points | O4 |