The LCVP is designed with a focus on enterprise and preparation for working life to enhance the vocational dimension of the Leaving Certificate. 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.
Throughout the programme students are encouraged to
- Be innovative and enterprising
- Take responsibility for their own learning
- Adapt to changing circumstance
- Evaluate data and devise solutions to problems
- Communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively
- Work with others as part of a team
- Investigate and plan career options
- Use information and communications technologies
- Investigate local business and community enterprises
- Learn from their experiences.
In most ways the LCVP is like the established Leaving Certificate.
What makes it different is that students
- take some of their Leaving Certificate subjects from a specified set of vocational subjects
- have two additional courses, called Link Modules, in the areas of Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education. Link module activities provide a setting in which connections can be made between students’ vocational subjects and the world outside school.
Preparation for the world of work
This module is designed to develop students’ general understanding of the world of work, introduce them to career research and provide them with the knowledge and skills to find employment. As part of this module each student is expected to complete a career investigation and engage in a work experience or work shadowing placement.
In order to enhance students introduction to the world of work Fingal Community College has a School’s Business Partnership with Siemens Diagnostics, Swords. As part of the module students meet with the Human Resources Management and Production teams at Siemens. Students are coached on best practice to gaining employment. The Human Resource department and Management Team offer mock interviews to enhance the skills of students.
The AIB Build A Bank Challenge is an enjoyable way that students will manage their own business and will run their own bank. A team of 6 students are selected to set up and manage their Bank at lunch time in the school, getting involved in everything from sourcing new customers, opening AIB a/cs, encouraging regular savings and exploring new ways to bank – phone and internet. Candidates are interviewed for each position and this experience and learning will improve CV writing skills and interview techniques. The bank team will be given a marketing budget to set up their business, and they represent the school in the regional finals.
Skills learned
Money Management, Customer Service, Key Business Skills, Leadership and Teamwork, Marketing Techniques & Technology Skills, Literacy Skills and Interview Techniques.
Enterprise Education
This module aims to develop creativity, resourcefulness, self- confidence and initiative. Students are encouraged to interview enterprising people, investigate local enterprises and to set up their own enterprise projects as vehicles of learning.
There have been a number of successful enterprises at Fingal Community College including a Fashion Show and “Take Me Out” Show which offered students opportunities to learn about event management with a view to enhancing their enterprise skills.
All LCVP students must take a modern language for their Leaving Certificate.
Assessment
Students present a portfolio of work done over the two years of the programme. This portfolio contains the following items (60% of the marks):
- Curriculum Vitae
- A Career Investigation
- A Summary Report
- An Enterprise /Action Plan and two optional items from:
- A Diary of Work Experience
- An Enterprise Report
- A Recorded Interview or Presentation.
The written test consists of (40% of the marks):
- A Video Presentation of an Enterprise with questions thereon
- A Case Study
- General Questions
Most colleges will give points for the LCVP, but some will not recognise it as a separate subject. UCD, for example, will award points but require that the student pass six other subjects to fulfill the subject requirements of the college.
LCVP Link Modules Certification
- Distinction ( 80 -100% ) 70 CAO Points (=HC1)
- Merit ( 65 – 79% ) 50 CAO Points (=HD2)
- Pass ( 50 – 64% ) 30 CAO Points (=OC)