The Leaving Certificate Applied curriculum is a relatively new programme. It is geared to those who are principally interested in entering the world of work at the end of second level. Like the other Leaving Cert. programmes, it is a 2 year course. The emphasis, however, is focused on three special areas:

• Preparation for work.
• General Education.
• Vocational Education.

Students are assessed continuously over two years and are awarded credits for the successful completion of modules and prescribed tasks. The final examination occurs at the end of two years and accounts for approximately one third of the total credits. Students who obtain 60-69% of credits are awarded a Pass; those who receive 70-84% are given a Merit, while those who receive 85-100% are entitled to a distinction.

This programme is very similar to the established Leaving Certificate curriculum. Students take 7 subjects, 3 being compulsory and 4 being optional. One of the optional subjects must be a foreign language. In addition, students study link modules on Enterprise Education, Preparation for Work and undergo a week's work experience in the locality. The universities and other third-level institutions award points for the successful completion of these modules.

The Vocational Leaving Certificate programme is suitable for those who wish to go on to third-level or enter the world of work after completing second level. In short, the Vocational Leaving Certificate programme is really the Established Leaving Certificate programme plus the link modules.

The Established Leaving Certificate Programme

Those who opt for this programme will take 7 subjects: Irish, English and Maths are compulsory and the students themselves choose the other 4 subjects. This is a two-year programme and is suitable for those who wish to follow a third-level course in the future.

List of Optional Leaving Certificate Examination Subjects in Beech Hill College;