New Ross Vocational College

Leaving Certificate

On completetion of the Junior Certificate, students can choose to pursue one of the two educational routes available to them: Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied.

Students selecting Leaving Certificate are offered a balance between practical and academic subjects at Honours or Pass levels.

Core Subjects
English, Irish, Mathematics, Physical Education, Religious Education, Health Education, Career Guidance, Computers Studies

Options
Accounting, Business, Biology, History, Geography, French, Art, Home Economics, Engineering, Construction Studies, Technical Drawing

Leaving Certificate Applied

New Ross Vocational College was one of the first schools in Ireland to pioneer the new Leaving Certificate Applied in 1995. This was used as a model for other second level schools wishing to enter the programme. The emphasis is on a modular approach and students are assessed, monitored and examined over the duration of the two year course.

There is a full range of practical and acadenic subjects offered: Mathematics, Irish, Social Education, French and Art from the General Education Section. Work Experience, Metalwork, Construction Studies, Childcare and Horticulture from the Vocational Education option, while English, Communications, Career Guidance and Work Experience from the Vocational Preparation subjects.

Work Experience forms an Integral part of this programme where students gain valuable experience in the world of work. Local employers are greatly supportive of this programme by offering work experience to the students during the course. In most cases students secure employment on its completion or are offered apprenticeships. Others opt for Post Leaving Certificate courses and take this route to Third Level Education.

The varied method of Assessment (interviews, practicals and orals as well as some written exams which are run in conjunction with the traditional Leaving Cert) promote student motivation and alleviates the pressure traditionally posed by over emphasis on terminal exam in the traditional Leaving Certificate. As a result, this programme is popular with many students.