Work experience may count for third level entry

WORK experience and enterprise education are likely to count for entry to third level under new proposals for recognising the Leaving Certificate Vocational (LCV) programme.

The universities and RTCs are considering separately the proposals from the Department of Education to award CAO points for student performance in the three "link modules" of the LCV - work experience, enterprise education and preparation for work.

RTC sources say the proposals will be accepted in some form, but it is thought unlikely the universities will agree to any change in the points system.

The modules would be treated as a sixth Leaving Cert subject, with 30 points being awarded for a pass (50 to 64 per cent), 50 for a merit (65 to 79 per cent) and 70 points for a distinction (80 to loo per cent).

More than 1,200 students completed the LCV this year, the first time the restructured programme was examined. Of these, 36 per cent gained a distinction in the link modules; 38 per cent a merit and 16 per cent a pass, while 9 per cent did not pass, according to a Department progress report.

The programme, which is targeted at those who have difficulty with the traditional Leaving Cert, encourages students to take one of several groupings of technically oriented Leaving Cert subjects as well as the modules. The latter are examined by portfolio and a two hour written exam.

Even if students fail the traditional Leaving Cert, they may emerge with practical job seeking skills - and a pass certified by the National Council for Vocational Awards - in the modules.

This autumn, the programme is being massively expanded, with an additional 150 schools offering it for the first time.