Student Experiences of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY XVIICURRICULUM CHALLENGE AND SUBJECT CHOICEThe study shows that some areas of the LCA curriculum do not appear tofoster student potential. Lack of challenge in subjects such as English andMaths and the size of the gap in standards between LCA and LCE/LCVPsubjects emerged as issues among young people who had participated inLCA. Findings also highlight how the gendered nature of the LCAcurriculum and participation in traditional ‘male’ and ‘female’ vocationalsubjects such as Childcare and Construction tends to influence theoccupational and educational sectors which young people enter.ACCREDITATION AND GRADINGFurther debate and clarification is needed around grading and accreditationof the LCA, particularly for those wishing to access third-level courses. Theawareness and profile of the LCA, its lack of recognition for direct entry tothird-level institutions and its exclusion from the CAO points system couldbe addressed through increasing flexibility between programmes, allowingCAO points to be awarded to LCA students and providing a morepersonalised Leaving Certificate.