Curriculum
LCA & LCVP
Each year of the programme is divided into two sessions. Therefore, there are four sessions throughout the two years. Each two-year cycle is broken up as follows,
Session 1: September – January
Session 2: February – June
Session 3: September- January
Session 4: February – June
The LCA programme in Cnoc Mhuire includes the following subjects, which may be subject to change:
- Language (Irish or Spanish/ French)
- English & Communications
- Mathematical Applications
- Social Education
- Art
- Graphics & Construction
- Vocational Preparation & Guidance
- Information Technology
- Religion
- Agriculture & Horticulture
The LCA offers the subjects at a common level for all students
Modules are short programmes of study (30 hours of class time) from the subjects that are offered in the programme. Students shall complete 44 modules over the two-year course. Assignments must be completed at the end of each module. Credits will be awarded for successfully completed assignments. Students must have 90% attendance during each session of the course to be awarded credits.
Assessment
Assessment takes place on completion of modules, and there is a final State examination in each of the following areas:
English and Communication: 12 credits
Two vocational specialisms: 12 credits each
Mathematical Applications: 10 credits
Language: 6 credits each
Social Education: 10 credits
Modules are short programmes of study (30 hours of class time) from the subjects that are offered in the programme. Students shall complete 44 modules over the two-year course. Assignments must be completed at the end of each module. Credits will be awarded for successfully completed assignments. Students must have 90% attendance during each session of the course to be awarded credits.
There are seven tasks to be completed over the two- year course. Each student must prepare a written report on each task completed. A maximum of 10 credits can be awarded for each task. Students will experience work for the duration of the 2-year programme.
A maximum of 200 credits can be awarded over the two-year programme. This includes credits for completion of assignments at the end of modules, Tasks, and final examinations. The breakdown is as follows:
Credits:
| Satisfactory Completion of Modules | 62 credits | 31% |
| 7 Student Tasks | 70 credits | 35% |
| Final Examinations | 68 credits | 34% |
| TOTAL | 200 credits | 100% |
The certificate will be awarded at 3 levels:
| Distinction | 170 – 200 credits | 85 – 100% |
| Merit | 140 – 169 credits | 70 – 84% |
| Pass | 120 – 139 credits | 60 – 69% |
Students who successfully complete the programme are awarded a Leaving Certificate from the Department of Education and Youth. The certificate is awarded at three levels: Pass, Merit, and Distinction. Students may apply to do a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course and then continue to study at a Technological University.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
The LCVP is a Leaving Certificate with a focus on enterprise and preparation for working life. This two-year programme combines the academic strengths of the Leaving Certificate with a dynamic focus on self-directed learning, enterprise, work and the community. In most ways the LCVP is like the established Leaving Certificate. LCVP students take two additional courses, called Link Modules, in the areas of Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education.
LCVP Modules
Link Module 1: Preparation for the World of Work
Link Module 2: Enterprise Education
Assessment for Leaving Certificate is based on:
Portfolio: 60% of overall grade
Written Exam: 40% of overall grade
From Sept 2024, LCVP is compulsory for all our senior cycle students.