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 is a two year programme and it is offered to all students in O’Connell School.
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. 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. Our students have the benefit of being in the city centre and working in one of the many global companies in the IFSC. Here they develop their interpersonal skills, build relationships with businesses in the area and have the opportunity to apply for internships and scholarships offered over the Summer months. Many of our students have achieved internship and have continued to work in these companies while attending college. Some of the companies we are linked with are KPMG, Irish Life, Canada Life Reinsurance, A&L Goodbody and many more.
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
The Link Modules are graded on both a written exam (May of Leaving Cert Year) and a Portfolio of Coursework which is written over the two years.
Written exam: 40%
Portfolio: 60%
The Link Modules grading system:
Grade
|
Percentage
|
Points
|
Subject Equivalent
|
Distinction
|
80% - 100%
|
66 Points
|
H4 or more than a O1 (56 points)
|
Merit
|
65% - 79%
|
46 Points
|
H6, O2
|
Pass
|
50% - 64%
|
28 Points
|
O4
|