Drop in standards at applied level ‘a result of cutbacks’

TEACHERS claim a drop in standards and numbers taking the Leaving Certificate Applied is a direct consequence of cutbacks in schools.

The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) does not offer the opportunity to sit the traditional Leaving Certificate exams and cannot be used towards CAO college entry. But it is a key factor in keeping thousands of young people at school who might otherwise leave the education system.

They build credits over the two years of senior cycle, as well as final written exams in June, to determine their grades. A distinction is awarded for 85% to 100% of total credits, a merit for 70% to 84% and a pass for 60% to 69%.