LCVP is a Senior Cycle Programme of the Department of Education and Skills, designed to give a strong vocational dimension to the Leaving Certificate (established). The programme combines the virtues of academic study with a new and dynamic focus on self-directed learning, enterprise, work and the community. It was introduced in Ramsgrange Community School in 1993 The Co-ordinator for 2013/2014 is Ms.L. Walsh.
Young people in RCS, taking the LCVP have a unique opportunity to develop their interpersonal, vocational and technological skills. These skills are equally relevant to the needs of of those preparing for further education, seeking employment or planning to start their own business.The LCVP is funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the National Development Plan.
The primary goal of the LCVP is to prepare young people for adult life by ensuring that they are educated in the broadest sense, with an ability to cope and thrive in an environment of rapid change. Participants in the programme are encouraged to develop skills and competencies fundamental to both academic and vocational success.
Throughout the programme students are encouraged to:
· Be innovative and enterprising
· Take responsibility for their own learning
· Adapt to changing circumstances
· 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 businesses and community enterprises
· Learn from their experiences
These skills and qualities are equally relevant to the needs of those preparing for further education, seeking employment or planning to start their own business.
The strong vocational focus of the LCVP is achieved by arranging Leaving Certificate subjects into Vocational Subject Groupings (VSGs) and through the provision of additional courses of study in work preparation and enterprise known as the Link Modules.
The Link Modules
Leaving Certificate Examination from 2004 onwards
Students taking the Leaving Certificate Examination from 2004 onwards will follow two Link Modules over the course of the two years.
Link Module I – Preparation for the World of Work
Students will research and investigate local employment opportunities, develop job seeking skills such as letter writing, CV presentation, interview techniques; gain valuable practical experience of the world of work; interview and work shadow a person in a career area that interests them
Link Module II – Enterprise Education
Students will be involved in organising visits to local business and community enterprises; meet and interview enterprising people on site and in the classroom; plan and undertake interesting activities that will build self–confidence, creativity, initiative and develop teamwork communication and computer skills.
