Wilson's Hospital School offers the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) to all 5th and 6th year students.
The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) is an optional program within the traditional Leaving Certificate in Ireland that focuses on preparing students for both the workplace and further education by combining academic subjects with practical skills and work experience. It is designed to add a vocational dimension to the academic curriculum, helping students develop key skills that are valued in employment and higher education.
Here are the key details about LCVP:
1. Structure and Curriculum:
The LCVP is an enhancement of the traditional Leaving Certificate, allowing students to take regular academic subjects while also gaining practical and work-related experience. Students in the LCVP follow a modified curriculum that includes:
- The Link Modules, which are the core of LCVP and focus on practical, career-oriented skills:
- Preparation for the World of Work: This module includes career investigations, job-seeking skills, interview techniques, and understanding different types of employment.
- Enterprise Education: Students are encouraged to plan, set up, and evaluate an enterprise project, helping them develop entrepreneurial skills.
2. Work Experience:
A central component of the LCVP is work experience or work shadowing. Students spend time in a real-world work environment, gaining insight into careers they are interested in. This experience helps students develop important soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, while giving them a practical understanding of the workplace.
3. Assessment:
The LCVP assessment is a combination of a portfolio of work (60%) and a written exam (40%).
- The portfolio includes items such as a Curriculum Vitae (CV), a career investigation, an enterprise report, a summary report of work experience, and other career-related documents. This continuous assessment aspect helps reduce reliance on high-stakes exams.
- The written exam, held in May of the final year, includes sections on audio-visual comprehension, case studies, and questions related to the Link Modules.
Students can earn points for the LCVP, which can contribute to their points total for the CAO (Central Applications Office) system for higher education. The LCVP is graded as follows:
- Distinction (80%-100%): equivalent to 66 CAO points.
- Merit (65%-79%): equivalent to 46 CAO points.
- Pass (50%-64%): equivalent to 28 CAO points.
4. Skills Development:
LCVP is designed to help students develop important skills that will serve them in both employment and further education. These skills include:
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Entrepreneurship and enterprise
- Information technology proficiency
- Communication and presentation skills
5. Progression Opportunities:
While the LCVP emphasizes vocational preparation, it is still closely aligned with academic goals. The points earned through LCVP can be used for entry into higher education, making it a flexible option for students who wish to balance both practical and academic learning. Many students who complete LCVP go on to university, post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, or enter the workforce directly.
The LCVP is a valuable program that allows students to broaden their educational experience, giving them both practical skills for immediate use and academic qualifications that can lead to higher education.