Leaving Cert Applied

[disgirl2]

Hi,
My son (16) in 5th year has expressed an interest in doing the LCA instead of the mainstream LC.
He has a diagnosis of Aspergers and does struggle academically and learns better while doing things himself rather from books.
He’s always just about kept up but finds study very difficult. He is 2 weeks into school and finding it difficult. I’ve contacted the school and he can transfer to LCA if he wants before the end of Sept.
So, what I’m trying to ask, have others here have their children opt for LCA? If so, how did they find it ? What did they go on to do after school ?
Im just afraid that he will transfer over and hate it and then up regretting it… it’s a big enough decision at his age but I do feel whether he does LC or LCA , he will end up with the same career opportunities because it will inevitably be a pass LC…. So it’s just deciding which route in secondary school would be best for him.
So would love to hear all experiences good and bad, thank you in advance .

My son is in 6th year LCA. He is a bright kid, but has no interest in the slightest in books, studying or school in general. He plans to do an apprenticeship after school so we felt the LCA was the best way to keep him in school and ensure that he gets a leaving cert.
The program is good, the subjects are very practical. DS does work experience every week.
The downside is that the class is small and they've had a few drop outs since the start
I think LCA is a really good program and should be offered to more students. It's a pity that so many teachers, parents and students see it as the class for the less intelligent kids.

Been there done that. My ds would not have stayed in school without this. Received distinction in everything. Tried all types of apprenticeships in work experiences. Eventually became a very successful electrician. We thought it was a waste of time but were proven wrong. Best move ever for him and us.

I know two young men who did it in recent years. The now 19yo is doing a plumbing apprenticeship and the 20yo is doing childcare after working in a hotel for a bit. Neither was traditionally academic but both did well on the LCA programme.

Thank you @gabsdot45, yes, I know my DS is clever also but probably not in the traditional sense. I’m glad your DS is enjoying it and doing well. After speaking to the career guidance teacher today I’m fully convinced it’s the best option for him.
She holds the LCA in high regard and praised it a lot, outlining where previous students had gone afterwards.
@Nannyamc, thank you, I’m delighted to hear it all worked out for your DS, it’s great to hear the success stories, gives me hope.
@Pucarbuile, thank you, it’s lovely to hear how people got on after the LCA.

This is great to hear of these experiences and I really think far more students should be doing LCA - the more students that do it in a school, the better resourced, more effective and more respected it becomes. We need far more people in society being valued for a wide range of skills, ways of thinking etc, we need far greater numbers going in to trades, becoming things like truck drivers, etc and the education system has got to do better at creating and valorising those pathways. But the problems of snobbery and prejudice begin in wider society and amongst parents themselves, that's up to ALL of us to challenge

I have no experience with it but it sounds like the right option for your son.
It can't be good for kids to be pushed down a path that is not right for them.
Hopefully, it will give him confidence to take a course that's suited to his abilities. So much better to be in a situation where he can thrive.
Definitely agree with the snobbery around education in Ireland, and have probably been guilty of it myself.

I wish more students would opt for LCA but it doesn't help that within the school it's known as the dopes class. My son's class has a number of students who have SEN and LCA is definitely a great option form them but it's also for student who are less academic or students who suffer from stress in school, who might be happier with a less intense program.
Mt friend's son is in TY and he is a bright boy but school just stresses him out and always has since he was 4 years old. He gets stomach pains and headaches. He is desperate to do LCA next year but his school are saying no because he's too bright. ridiculous!!!
Can you tell I feel strongly about this.

@gabsdot

I wish more students would opt for LCA but it doesn't help that within the school it's known as the dopes class. My son's class has a number of students who have SEN and LCA is definitely a great option form them but it's also for student who are less academic or students who suffer from stress in school, who might be happier with a less intense program. Mt friend's son is in TY and he is a bright boy but school just stresses him out and always has since he was 4 years old. He gets stomach pains and headaches. He is desperate to do LCA next year but his school are saying no because he's too bright. ridiculous!!! Can you tell I feel strongly about this.

I feel really strongly about it too! I have some experience of a number of LCA programmes across the country and with the right coordinator and a positive approach it can be a great option for a really wide range of young people, and a far wider range than is typical currently. The students I have met have been brilliant and frankly often more interesting and with more to them than some of their more 'conventional' contemporaries. We need to get over this bloody obsession with third level as the only goal of the years 12-18, it's ridiculous from every point of view, not least the skills shortages in many areas which are of real importance - agriculture, trades, logistics, care work, etc.

Have a look at youthreach op.

Hi there, just saw this post. Just wondering how did your son get on in the LCA. My son is thinking of doing it next year. I don't know of anyone doing it. Any feedback would be very much appreciated. Thank you