The Leaving Cert Applied - an alternative to the standard exam - is booming, writes Gráinne Faller.

After completing his Junior Cert, Steven O'Connell knew two things: he wanted to work with his hands, and the academic path of the standard Leaving Cert was not for him.

Despite getting eight honours, Steven was disengaged. Previously, he might have been at risk of dropping out of the education system altogether but, after exploring his options, he decided to do the Leaving Cert Applied (LCA) which was well-established in his school.

His mother, Marie, was completely unfamiliar with the option but, once she went to a meeting in the school about it, she became convinced that it was right for her son. "The teachers made it clear that this was no free ride. They told us about the tasks involved and explained everything. I thought that it would suit Steven very well."

The LCA was set up in 1997. Before that, other attempts had been made to cater for students like Steven. The Senior Cert was one such effort. Pre-employment courses were also introduced, but none of these seemed to be really valued by employers and third-level institutions.

"There was always a cohort of students to whom I felt we were doing a disservice," says Pat Kinsella, headmaster of Coláiste Choilm, a school of 1,200 students in Ballincollig, Co Cork. "The standard Leaving Cert just did not suit them, and quite a number of those would have left school early."

The LCA has been up and running in Coláiste Choilm for the past five years. " is different to the Senior Cert," says Kinsella. "It provides access to third level and employers seem to view it as being more legitimate." The LCA differs from the standard Leaving Cert in a number of ways. The two-year course is broken down into four half-year blocks, and students are assessed and receive results called credits at the end of each block. This continual assessment provides a constant focus for students, as well as relieving the intense pressure of having to squeeze two years' worth of learning into two weeks of exams. The modules studied are designed to be relevant to the students. Standard subjects such as English and communications, Gaeilge and mathematical applications are studied alongside hotel catering and tourism, engineering and drama. Career guidance is a mandatory part of the programme, as is work experience. Students have to do two placements in the two years, but most do as many as four.

Sheila O'Driscoll is the national co-ordinator of LCA. She explains: "All of this is useful, not only in giving the students a broad idea of the opportunities available, but it also becomes more specific as time goes by. Students often leave with a very good idea of what they want to do in life."

Indeed, for Steven O'Connell it has been invaluable. He had thought that he wanted to work on a building site. Carpentry, plumbing, plastering all appealed to him but then he went on a two-week work-experience. Marie says, "He came home at the end of it and he said, 'Mam, I don't think that's for me.' He liked the people, he liked the work, but his heart wasn't in it."

The reaction to the LCA from schools, teachers, students and the authorities has been truly positive. About 350 schools and centres provide the option. "The students have invariably done very well. It has boosted morale and confidence and people who may have been considered at risk of dropping out, have stayed," says Kinsella.

The entire senior cycle is being reviewed by the National Council for Curriculum Assessment. The LCA came up for consideration but the response was so positive that no change was deemed necessary. In fact, continual assessment and increased practicality are being considered for review in the standard Leaving Cert.

Students who complete the LCA have a number of options. They can go into employment, do apprenticeships or go into Post-Leaving Cert Courses (PLCs). "Sometimes students will go on from a PLC to graduate from one of the Institutes of Technology," says Kinsella. As for Steven? He has decided to become a chef and a restaurant in Douglas is willing, not only to give him an apprenticeship, but also to support him through his chef"s training in Cork Institute of Technology.