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Choosing the Right Leaving Cert

If your son or daughter has just completed their Junior Phase or the transition year, they will have to pick between two different Certificates of Leaving available at the college. We hope that the frequently asked questions that are listed below, will help you answer some of your questions.

Who is eligible to get the Leaving Certificate?
Anyone who has completed the Junior Cycle is eligible to receive an Certificate of Leaving Certificate.

Then you can offer a choice of two different certificates for Leaving Please tell me more about these?
Yes! They are also known as the traditional leaving Certificate and the Leaving Certificate Application. Both are full-time two-year programs.

Which Sort of Leaving Cert do the majority of students select?
The old Leaving Certificate is still by far the most well-known. About 95% of students in Ireland take this test, while the remaining 5percent taking the Leavers Certificate applied.

What is it that makes the traditional Leaving Certificate so popular?
The classic Certificate of Leaving Certificate is a natural progression of the Junior Cycle offering challenging academic requirements for the majority of youngsters. It also accommodates the diverse range of abilities and talents. This is why it is the most popular option for the majority of schools.

Click here for leaving cert grinds.

Students who would like to be admitted directly to any of our third-level colleges i.e. colleges or Institutes of Technology must sit the traditional leaving Certificate. Admission to these institutions is based on the number of points given to students based on their grades during their traditional Leaving Certificate exam. The standard Certificate of Leaving Certificate will be the type most employers are familiar with and choose.

What exactly is the well-established Leaving Certificate Programme?
Students typically learn seven subjects. English, Irish, Maths and a language (French within our institution) comprise the principal fundamental subjects. Students will then study three subjects in the following subjects: Biology, Business Studies, Art, Home Economics, Geography Music, Chemistry/Physics and that may be available to students. As with those in Junior Certificate students may choose to pursue their subjects at the Higher or Ordinary levels. English, Irish and Maths are also available at an intermediate level.

What is the assessment process for students?
Students take examinations in June at the close 2 years’ studying. Similar to those in the Junior Cycle the State Examination Commission determines the dates for these examinations and assessments.

Therefore, why is there an absence of Classroom Based Assessment (CBA) in the standard Leaver Certificate?
No. Certain subjects such as Art for instance, have an examination that is practical. Other subjects, like Geography as well as Home Economics, for example have students complete an investigation or write a journal for their students that could be a part of the final score.

What are the reasons why my child/daughter might choose the Certificate of Leaving Certificate rather than the one that is applied for?
The Leavers Certificate Applied is highly attractive for students who are finding academic work and studying especially challenging. This Leaving Certificate is ideal for students who want to take a practical course to prepare for the workplace.

Additionally, the work of students is constantly assessed throughout the course of two years in the course and they will be able to accumulate a number of credit (marks) before they take the final test.

What are the subjects that students study?
The program is divided into three areas.

Vocational Preparation Training and Work Experience for working life.

Vocational Education Mathematics in Practice, I.T. as well as two courses that specialize in the following areas: Active studies in Leisure, Childcare/Community Care, Craft and Design and Beauty and Beauty, Hotel, Catering and Tourism, Office Administration and Customer Care Technologies, Information and Communications, Technology.

General Education: Education in the Arts Irish, Modern Language, Leisure and Recreation, Social Education, Science and Religion.

Students learn about these topics in courses.

What are the criteria for awarding students marks or credits?
When students finish their work (Key Assignments and Assignments) they receive credits that count to their final grade. You can get more than two-thirds marks for tasks completed in school prior to taking the final exams.

The the Leaving Cert applied is awarded on three different levels: Distinction merit or pass. Students also earn credits for attendance to school regularly. Attendance at school at 90% or more is required. Absences only excused with a doctor’s prescription can be exempted. Students who fail to attend regularly will not receive the Pass descriptor on their Leaving Cert Application.

Does the Leaver’s Cert applied count as “Points” to be considered for third-level college admissions?
No. But you are able to be on to the PLC course through this leaving Cert which could lead to entry at the third level.

Is a PLC a PCL?
This is a course that is offered within the context of an ETB institution e.g. Marino College of Further Education, Connolly House, for students who have passed either of the leaving Certificates. There is a vast array of PLC classes offered by PLC colleges, ranging from Nursing to Business, childcare, photography, drama and Media, among others. Our Career Guidance instructors can assist you to discover more information about what’s available and where to find it.

Can students who have the Leaving Certificate Applied be admitted on to all PLC classes?
The majority of the time, however, certain PLC courses require different qualifications in Maths or Science and Technology. Our Career Guidance instructors help you figure out the qualifications required for certain courses.

If a person completes the PLC program, then what do you do?
Students are able to be admitted to certain third-level courses, apprentices (eg Carpentry) or traineeships (eg Dental Nursing) based on their PLC accomplishments. Many students decide to work straight away.

What if my daughter or son does not want to go to an PLC course? What else can I do to consider that uses the Leaving Certificate?
Yes. SOLAS and, prior to that, FAS is a course that is accepted for apprenticeship programs. It’s also approved for admission into the Gardai or as well as the Defence Forces, the Civil Service and Failte Ireland (training in Catering and Tourism). Students may be able to be able to take the leaving Certificate applied to the job location. Be aware that most employers prefer their employees to hold the Leave Certificate.

Do students who have an Leave Certificate who have applied find jobs?
The findings of the DES shows that, on average, 89 percent of LCA graduates are employed or enrolled in additional education courses during the following year after successful completion of the course.

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