LCVP

The strong vocational focus of the LCVP is achieved by arranging Leaving Certificate subjects into Vocational Subject Groupings and through the provision of two additional courses of study in work preparation and enterprise, known as the Link Modules.

These subjects teach the skills and knowledge needed to understand how business works.

Why study LCVP?

Students who take the LCVP/Link Modules will benefit in several ways. Through the Programme’s focus on personal development, they will be able to:

• Communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively.
• Take responsibility for their own learning.
• Work as a member of a team or group.
• Adapt and cope with changing circumstances.

Through the Programme’s focus on the world of work they will have:

• Knowledge of the world of work.
• Skills for job seeking.
• Undertaken work experience or participated in work simulation.

Through the Programmes’ focus on enterprise, business and technology they will:

• Be more innovative and enterprising.
• Be used to working in teams.
• Be familiar with setting up and running enterprising initiatives.
• Have experience of using computers and audio-visual equipment

Through these benefits, LCVP students will be more employable. They will be in a better position to set up their own business. In addition, they will have skills and aptitudes which will enable them to be more effective learners in the further education they receive at third level.

What kind of Student would the Link Modules suit?

• This is a practical subject/programme that suits practical students.
• It is a real preparation for the world of work.
• The bulk of marks go for the portfolio which is done over the 2 years
• Links with other option subjects which can enhance performance in those subjects.
• Promotes skills and qualities of self-reliance, innovation and enterprise

Skills learned through LCVP such as planning, researching, writing reports and making presentations are keys to your success at third level. The LCVP may be counted as one of the 6 subjects when calculating points.

Course Overview

Students taking the Link Modules over the course of the two years in addition to their normal Leaving Certificate Examination will follow two modules

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 and initiative and develop teamwork, communication and computer skills.

Overview of Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Link Modules

• LCVP students 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 outlined below
• they must study the two Link Modules, namely Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education
• Students are required to follow a recognised course in a Modern European Language (other than Irish or English)

Vocational Subject Groupings (VSG’s)

Two subjects are selected from one of the Vocational Subject Groupings. These subjects provide students with a focus for developing vocational skills and exploring their career options. The VSG’s are reviewed annually and new combinations introduced in response to changing needs. The Specialist Groupings consist of subjects which complement one another naturally. The Services Groupings comprise subjects which complement one another in a commercial context.

SPECIALIST GROUPINGS

1. Construction Studies or Engineering or Technical Drawing (any two)
2. Physics and Construction Studies or Engineering
3. Agricultural Science and Construction Studies or Engineering
4. Agricultural Science and Chemistry or Physics or Physics & Chemistry (combined)
5. Home Economics and Agricultural Science or Biology
6. Home Economics and Art
7. Accounting or Business or Economics (any two)
8. Physics and Chemistry
9. Biology and Chemistry or Physics or Physics & Chemistry (combined)

SERVICES GROUPINGS

1. Engineering and Business or Accounting or Economics
2. Construction Studies and Business or Accounting or Economics
3. Home Economics and Business or Accounting or Economics
4. Agricultural Science and Business or Accounting or Economics
5. Art and Business or Accounting or Economics
6. Music and Business or Accounting or Economics

Course Content

The Link Modules

LCVP students are required to take the Link Modules, Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education, over the two years of the programme. These modules, which are almost entirely activity driven, should be delivered as an integrated unit in conjunction with the Vocational Subject Groupings. Link Module activities provide a setting in which connections can be made between vocational subjects and the world of work.

Link Module I – Preparation for the World of Work

This module is designed to develop students’ general understanding of the world of work, introduce them to career research and provide them with the knowledge and skills to find employment. As part of this module each student is expected to complete a career investigation and engage in a work experience or work shadowing placement.

Link Module II – Enterprise Education

This module aims to develop creativity, resourcefulness, self-confidence and initiative. Students are encouraged to interview enterprising people, investigate local enterprises and to set up their own enterprise projects as vehicles of learning. The content of the module is flexible to allow a school to utilise local resources and enable learning to take place in as wide a variety of settings as possible.

Modern European Language

LCVP students must follow a recognised course in a Modern European Language over the two years of the programme. Whilst the vast majority follow a Leaving Certificate Modern European Language Course, a small minority of students take a Vocational Language Module in order to fulfill the requirements.

Exam Structure

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.

LCVP students receive the same certificate as students of the Leaving Certificate (established). An additional statement of the grade received for the Link Modules is appended to the certificate.

Terminal Examination Paper – 40% of marks

Date: End of final year of the LCVP (normally in early May)
Duration: Two and a half hours
Content:

Section A: Audio-visual presentation
Section B: Case Study (received in advance by students)
Section C: General Questions (four out of six)

Portfolio of Coursework – 60% of total marks

Date: Assessed at the end of the final year of the LCVP
Duration: Assembled over two years of the Programme
Content:

Section 1:
Core Items:
Curriculum Vitae
Career Investigation
Summary Report
Action Plan

Section 2:
Optional Items: (two out of four)
Diary of Work Experience
Enterprise Report
Recorded Interview/Presentation
Report on “My Own Place”

Grades for the Link Modules are awarded as follows:
Distinction (80 – 100%)
Merit (65 – 79%)
Pass (50 – 64%)

Career Possibilities

Students who take the link modules are considered to be more ready for the world of work. The practical nature of the programme would be very beneficial to anyone interested in starting their own business or taking an active role in an established business.

In a rapidly changing, increasingly technological world, employers feel more than ever the need for new employees to be well educated in the broadest sense, adaptable, multi-skilled, good communicators, capable of making decisions and potential lifelong learners. The LCVP contributes to meeting these needs directly so it is no surprise that employers, familiar with the LCVP, see its students as being generally more employable.