Vocational programme gains college cred

A staggering 35,000 students are now doing the Leaving Cert Vocational Programme in some 500 second-level schools around the State.

The programme is an attempt to redress the academic nature of the traditional Leaving Cert. Participating students take a minimum of five traditional Leaving Cert subjects with two of these selected from vocational subject groupings.

They also take a course in a modern European language, Irish, and three link modules which comprise enterprise education, preparation for work and work experience. Typically, an LVCP student takes seven Leaving Cert subjects plus the link modules.

This year, 10,952 exam candidates are entered for the link modules.

The three link modules are given a composite grade - a pass (50-64 per cent), merit (65-79 per cent), and distinction (80-100 per cent) are recognised for the purposes of points for college entry. The institutes of technology (other than DIT) give 70 points for a distinction, 50 for a merit and 30 for a pass.

The universities and DIT are somewhat more parsimonious in their approach - giving 60, 40 and 30 points, respectively. LCVP co-ordinator Michael Garvey says the recognition of the link modules by the universities is a "step in the right direction. The current points ratings are an interim measure" which he hopes will be revised upwards.

This is the first year that college entrants can use the link modules for entry to universities. The announcement by the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities stated that points levels will be kept under review and adjustments may be made in the light of a number of studies including the outcome of a review of the content and methods of assessment currently being made by the NCCA as well as recommendations of the Points Commission.

Assessment of link modules at present is by means of a portfolio of course work (60 per cent) and written exams (40 per cent).