Curriculum
LCA – Level 4
LCA is a level 4 Leaving Certificate programme in which students are prepared for the world of work and also for most Post Leaving Certificate Courses.
Emphasis on Achievement
It is a distinct, self-contained two-year leaving certificate programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life.
It emphasises forms of achievement and excellence which the established Leaving Certificate has not recognised in the past.
This programme covers three main areas:
General Education
Subjects studied in this area include a Modern European Languages(Irish and Spanish), Art, Social Education, Leisure and Recreation, Religion and Science.
Vocational Preparation
This section includes Vocational Preparation and Guidance and English and Communications.
Vocational Education
This section of the LCA helps the development of skills in Information Technology, Hotel, Catering and Tourism, Hair and Beauty and Mathematical Applications.
General Education Subjects
| English and Communication | Mathematical Applications | Social Education | Information Technology |
| Vocational Preparation and Guidance | Communicative Spanish | Gaeilge Chumarsáideach | Art |
| Leisure and Recreation |
Specialism Subjects
| Hotel, Catering and Tourism | Hair and Beauty |
Elective Subjects
| Science | Religion |
In LCA 2 students complete the following examinations set by the State Examinations Commission during the State Exams In June:
| Mathematical Applications | Hair and Beauty | English and Communications | Social Education |
| Gaeilge Chumarsáideach | Spanish & Irish* (*assessed in LCA1) | Hotel, Catering and Tourism |
LCA Assessment
Students are assessed on a continuous basis as well as final examinations at the end of year two. Credits are given for Modules completed, projects, aural, oral, practical and written examinations. LCA students can earn up to 200 credits.
General breakdown of Assessment
How can you earn 200 credits?
| Completion of Modules (Key Assignments) | 62 credits (31%) |
| 7 Student Projects | 70 credits (35%) |
| Final examinations | 68 credits (34%) |
| Total credits: | 200 credits (100%) |
Certificate of Credits are awarded at three levels:
| Pass | (120 – 139 credits) | (60 – 69%) |
| Merit | (140 – 169 credits) | (70 – 84%) |
| Distinction | (170 – 200 credits) | (85 – 100%) |
Leaving Certificate Applied students make links with the wider community.
Leaving Certificate Applied engage in many activities over the 2 years of the programme. As part of the programme, they engage in 4 different work experiences over the 2 years making invaluable connections with local businesses which allows better opportunities for future employment.
Mini Company
LCA students showcase their entrepreneurial skills by setting up a mini company at the Annual St. Brigid’s Christmas Market.
Hotel, Catering and Tourism
As part of their Hotel, Catering and Tourism module, our students have enjoyed boat trips, visits to hotels and restaurants and have also experienced a tour of the National Park with the local Jarveys.
Leisure and Recreation
Our LCA students as part of the Leisure and Recreation module have gym sessions and sometimes go kayaking.
Feargal Quinn Awards
The “Feargal Quinn Awards” are presented each year to those students who obtain the top credits in the Leaving Certificate Applied Examination of that year.
In 2024, 2 students from St. Brigid’s received this huge accolade and were amongst the top students in the country.