What is the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)?
It is a distinct, self-contained two-year Leaving Certificate programme. This programme is aimed at preparing students for adult and working life.
The programme emphasises forms of achievement and excellence which the established Leaving Certificate has not recognised in the past
It offers students specific opportunities to prepare for and progress to further education and training
The LCA Programme

• Prepares students for adult and working life
• Recognises talents of all pupils
• Promotes communication and decision making skills
• Applies knowledge and skills to the solution of real problems

​Assessment
What’s different about The Leaving Certificate Applied is that students are examined on their work as they go along. Students must have 90% attendance to pass. The programme is divided into half year blocks called ‘sessions’ of which there are four over the two year programme. Students are assessed on their work in January and May of each yearwhen a session ends.
All Leaving Cert Applied students take the following courses:

• Vocational Preparation and Guidance
• English and Communication
• Mathematical Applications
• Introduction to ICT
• Arts Education
• Social Education
• Irish/Spanish
• Leisure and Recreation
• Active Leisure
• Agriculture/Horticulture
• ICT