leaving cert applied

The Leaving Certificate Applied is a distinct, self-contained two-year programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. The programme puts an emphasis on forms of achievement and excellence, which the established Leaving Certificate has not recognised in the past.

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.

The advantage of Leaving Certificate Applied is that it focuses on the talents of each individual student and helps students apply what they learn in the real world. The two-year programme consists of four half-year blocks called Sessions and achievements are credited in each of these Sessions.

Over the two years the following subjects are covered:
● English & Communications
● Mathematical Applications
● Irish
● Italian
● Science
● Social Education/ Social Health
● Vocational Preparation & Work Experience
● Information and Communications Technology
● Leisure and Recreation Studies
● Guidance
● Hotel, Catering & Tourism
● Religious Education

Four elective modules must be chosen from course areas where extra modules are available. Two courses, Religious Education and Science also offer modules that can be taken as electives. It is not allowable to choose elective modules from Vocational Specialisms already being taken.

Yes. Students who successfully complete the programme will receive a Leaving Certificate from the State Examinations Commission. All credits awarded will be recorded on the Leaving Certificate Applied parchment.