Student Experiences of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme

5. School Experiences and Learning Processes Among LCA Participants 585.1 Introduction 585.2 Perceptions of LCA Programme Content 585.3 Perceived Standards of Schoolwork 645.4 Teaching Methods Used 685.5 Approach to Assessment 715.6 Social Relations With Teachers 745.7 Social Relations with Peers 795.8 Skill Development 835.8.1 Social Skills and Preparation for the Workplace 845.8.2 Preparation for Adult Life 855.9 Conclusions 876. Work Experience in the Leaving Certificate Applied 896.1 Introduction 896.2 Overview of Work Experience in the Leaving Certificate Applied 896.3 Perceptions and Nature of Work Experience as Part of the Formal Curriculum 906.4 Accessing Work Experience 936.4.1 School Linkages 936.4.2 Personal Networks 946.4.3 Own Initiative 956.5 School Involvement During Work Placements 966.6 Post Work Experience: Reflection on Tasks Carried Out and Skills Acquired 976.7 The Role of Work Experience in Career Decision Making 1006.8 Career Guidance 1026.9 Conclusions 1057. Labour Market Outcomes 1087.1 Introduction 1087.2 LCA School Leavers One Year After Leaving School 1097.2.1 LCA School Leavers and Unemployment One Year After Leaving School 1107.2.2 LCA School Leavers and Longer Risk of Unemployment 1127.2.3 Experiences of Unemployment 1147.2.4 LCA School Leavers’ Industrial and Occupational Sectors 1157.2.5 Construction Sector 1197.2.6 Retail Sector 1227.3 Home Duties and Economic Inactivity 1237.4 The Impact of Education and Training on Labour Market Outcomes 1267.5 Satisfaction with Economic Situation After Leaving School 1277.6 Conclusions 1278. Progression to Further Study and Training 1288.1 Introduction 1288.2 PLC Participation Among LCA Leavers 1288.3 Further Study 1318.3.1 Progression to Post-school Education 1318.3.2 Experiences of Post-school Education 1338.3.3 Experiences in Accessing Higher Education 1358.3.4 Skills Mismatch 1388.4 State-sponsored Training Programmes 1398.4.1 Patterns of Entry to State-sponsored Training 1398.4.2 Experiences of State-sponsored Training 1408.5 Conclusions 143VI