Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)
The Leaving Certificate Applied is a two-year Leaving Certificate available to incoming 5th year students who wish to follow a practical programme with a strong vocational emphasis.
It is one of three Leaving Certificate options offered by the Department of Education and Skills and Ramsgrange Community School.
The LCA Co-ordinator is Ms. M Walsh
The Leaving Certificate Applied was introduced to recognise the talents of all students and provide opportunities for development in terms of responsibility, self-esteem and self-knowledge. It is an innovative programme in the way students learn, in what they learn and in the way their achievements are assessed. The Leaving Certificate Applied is intended to meet the needs of those students who are not adequately catered for by other Leaving Certificate programmes or who choose not to opt for such programmes.
Work experience is a core component of the LCA programme and RCS students are expected to complete work experience one day a week.
As well as work experience, Leaving Certificate Applied students take the following subjects:
- Vocational Preparation – preparing students for the work place
- Vocational Education – providing education in specific skills
- General Education
Student progress is monitored and assessed throughout the two years and students gain “credits” as they go along. Students’ work and skill development is assessed in different ways including interview, written, oral and practical components.
The two years are divided into four separate sessions and at least 90% attendance is required in each module for each session. Four times throughout the two years students get a statement of their results from the State Examinations Commission. In this way they experience regular feedback on their success and achievements. Achievement is acknowledged and rewarded throughout the two years at the School. Parents are involved at every stage of the Programme through Information meetings and celebration of students ` results.
All RCS students of Leaving Certificate Applied take the following subjects:
- Vocational Preparation and Guidance
- English and Communication
- Mathematical Applications
- Introduction to Information and Communication Technology
- Arts Education (Art or Drama)*
- Social Education
- Irish
- Modern language
- Leisure and Recreation
- SPHE (from September 2025)
In addition to the above students complete two specialist vocational courses. These Vocational Specialisms develop specific skills and knowledge relevant to a range of careers.
The Vocational Specialism on offer at RCS are:
- Engineering or Graphics and Construction Studies
- Hotel Catering and Tourism
- Active Leisure Studies
- Childcare/Community Care
Please see the following overview to learn more about LCA in general:LCA Overview leaflet.pdf