The number of students taking the Leaving Cert Applied, now in its fourth year, is climbing steadily. Last year, 1,764 students graduated and this year it is expected that some 2,500 students will sit the terminal exam.

The LCA is a different and distinct form of Leaving Cert. It's modularised and semesterised, with ongoing assessments, and is cross-curricular in its approach.

So LCA students don't have the same worries as traditional Leaving Cert students when it comes to terminal exams which only account for one-third of the overall marks.

The programme includes preparation for work, practical courses and general education. Students undertake a number of tasks which are examined over the two years. Credits are awarded for successful completion of the modules, for student tasks and for the final exams. The LCA is the only Leaving Cert which examines oral English skills.

Last year's students did very well in the marketplace, with 91 per cent finding work or going on to further education.

A survey of 1998 graduates found that 38 per cent went directly into employment (see above). In all, 941 students in 63 schools (56 per cent of the cohort) participated in the study, which was carried out in January and February this year, six months after the students left school.

A further 19 per cent of students went into apprenticeships, with 12 per cent pursuing other courses such as CERT and Teagasc. Only 4 per cent were seeking employment and the remaining 5 per cent were unavailable for work or their destination was unknown.

About 3,600 students leave school each year without completing the Junior Cert and a further 10,400 leave without completing the senior cycle. It is hoped that the LCA will play a significant role in encouraging second-level students whose needs may not be met by the traditional Leaving Cert to complete the senior cycle.