More reward for tasks as LCA is restructured

The Leaving Certificate Applied Programme has been restructured, with old modules revised and updated and new modules introduced.

The balance of marks for assessment has changed to favour tasks undertaken by the students. In the past, 27 per cent was awarded for tasks, now it is 35 per cent, making tasks the single biggest component for assessment purposes. The completion of modules now accounts for 31 per cent, as opposed to 35 per cent while the proportion awarded for the final exam remains virtually the same, at 34 per cent. More than 2,800 LCA students sat the final exam last June.

Tasks are examined by external examiners with each student interviewed on an individual basis, explains Marie Rooney, of the support service, which is operated by the Curriculum Development Unit, Dublin, and the Curriculum Development Centre, Shannon.

A personal reflection task was examined for the first time this year. Students who are beginning the LCA this autumn will also complete two new tasks - a contemporary issue and a practical achievements task. These will be done in the second year of the course.

In the contemporary-issue task, students will investigate an issue, perform an action, and make a presentation to the examiner, says Rooney. They set themselves a goal for the practical achievements task - this could range from study to sport to music to community work or playing an instrument. They must make a plan, keep a log for three months and do a report. Rooney says this allows students to "obtain credit for something that is outside the curriculum".