The Leaving Certificate Applied Programme St Mary's Secondary School offers students an alternative to the traditional Leaving Certificate called the Leaving Certicifate Applied Programme.This is a two year Leaving Certificate programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. It meets the needs of students who are not adequately catered for by other Leaving Certificate programmes.
The two year programme consists of four half year blocks called 'Sessions'. Achievements are credited in each of these Sessions.
Courses are offered in three main areas:
Vocational Preparation which focuses on preparation for work, work experience, enterprise and communications.
General Education which gives students general life skills including the arts, social education, leisure and languages.
Vocational Education which is concerned with the development of mathematical skills, information technology and the practical skills necessary for specialist areas such as tourism, business, childcare, construction work or technology.
Students study the following subjects:
Maths, English, Irish, Spanish, Vocational Preparation, Career Guidance, Social Education, Drama, Visual Art, Religion, Physical Education, Information Technology, Community Care, Child Care, Hotel Catering and Tourism, Active Leisure Studies, Craft and Design, Office Skills, Construction Studies.
Students who successfully complete the programme get a Leaving Certificate from the Department of Education. All credits awarded are recorded on this certificate. The certificate is awarded on three levels.
Pass 120-139 Credits Merit 140-169 Credits Distinction 170-200 Credits During the two years the students participate in a series of work experience placements giving them focussed and practical experience in the world of work. Having completed the Leaving Certificate Applied a student is prepared for the world of work but may proceed if he/she wishes to attend a Post Leaving Certificate course and from there gain entry to a course in an Institute of Technology.