Leaving Certificate Applied and Beyond: A School-Based Investigation o f the Experiences o f Students who have taken the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme.

This study examined the senior cycle experience of LCA students in a second level school. It also investigated how these students progressed in further education and in employment following their graduation from second level education. The primary objectives of the research were to ascertain to what extent students who pursue the LCA programme are satisfied with their experience and to determine the currency of the LCA qualification. A group of young adults who have graduated from the LCA programme were surveyed by means of a postal questionnaire. Follow up interviews were conducted with a sub sample of the group. Interviews were also conducted with third level teachers and with employers who work with graduates of the programme. Areas investigated included: ■ Reasons why students choose LCA ■ Satisfaction with the Programme offered ■ Perception of LCA ■ Its value as an educational credential From the data collected the researcher concludes: > Many students enjoy a high level of satisfaction with the LCA programme in the case-study school and are quite successful in the labour market. > A high percentage of LCA students progress to further education but their progress in third level is very limited. > A low standard of literacy and numeracy in the LCA programme frustrates more able students and is a handicap in third level. > The perception o f the programme is problematic for many of the participants. Some believe there is a ‘stigma’ attached to LCA. > Many employers are unaware of the LCA programme. A number of recommendations are made in the concluding chapter with a view to enhancing the LCA experience for the participants. Key recommendations include: > The school must be proactive in ensuring that LCA students are granted parity of esteem with students of other Leaving Certificate programmes. > The literary and numeracy elements of LCA must be enhanced if the programme is to offer challenge to the more able students. > Support must be provided for LCA students in third level. > A campaign is needed to inform employers of the LCA programme