The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) is an enhanced two-year program within the Irish secondary education system, designed to complement the traditional Leaving Certificate by adding a vocational dimension. Here are the key aspects of the LCVP:

1. Purpose: LCVP aims to provide students with practical work-related skills and experiences, preparing them for both the workforce and further education. It bridges academic study with practical application, enhancing students’ employability and career readiness.

2. Structure: The LCVP is integrated with the traditional Leaving Certificate curriculum. Students select their core Leaving Certificate subjects but also complete additional vocational components.

3. Curriculum Components:

   • Vocational Subject Groupings (VSGs): Students must study at least two subjects from a designated list of vocational subject groupings. These subjects are related to specific career areas, such as business, technology, or sciences.
   • Link Modules: The unique feature of LCVP, Link Modules focus on:
     • Preparation for the World of Work: This includes career planning, job search skills, work experience, and understanding workplace dynamics.
     • Enterprise Education: Students learn about setting up and running a business, entrepreneurial skills, and the principles of enterprise.

4. Assessment: LCVP assessment is a combination of written examinations and portfolio work:

   • Written Examination: Conducted in May of the final year, it includes sections on work preparation, enterprise education, and general skills.
   • Portfolio: Students compile a portfolio throughout the two years, which includes various assignments, such as a Curriculum Vitae, Career Investigation, Enterprise/Action Plan, and Summary Report.

5. Certification: Students receive an LCVP Statement of Results alongside their traditional Leaving Certificate results. The grades for the Link Modules are awarded as follows:

   • Distinction: 80-100%
   • Merit: 65-79%
   • Pass: 50-64%

6. Benefits:

   • Enhanced Employability: The skills and experiences gained through the LCVP, such as work experience and enterprise education, make students more attractive to potential employers.
   • Higher Education: LCVP students can gain additional points for their CAO (Central Applications Office) applications, which is advantageous for entry into higher education institutions.
   • Practical Skills: The program emphasizes real-world skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, which are valuable in both the workplace and further education.

7. Eligibility: To participate in LCVP, students must:

   • Choose at least five Leaving Certificate subjects, including Irish (unless exempt).
   • Include two subjects from the designated Vocational Subject Groupings.
   • Study the Link Modules: Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education.

8. Career and Further Education Opportunities: LCVP graduates are well-prepared for various pathways, including:

   • Direct entry into employment, particularly in sectors related to their vocational subjects.
   • Further education through Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, apprenticeships, and other vocational training programs.
   • Higher education, as the additional points from the Link Modules can enhance their CAO applications.

The LCVP offers a balanced approach to secondary education by integrating academic study with practical, vocational learning, thus preparing students for diverse career paths and further education opportunities.