Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 1

Written Answers. - Leaving Certificate Applied.

Denis Naughten

Question:

924 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level schools which provide the leaving certificate applied syllabus; the plans, if any, he has to increase the participation of schools in this syllabus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18140/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

The leaving certificate applied is a distinct, self-contained two-year leaving certificate programme aimed at preparing students for adult and working life. The programme is one of the options of the revised senior cycle structure.

The leaving certificate applied has been introduced on a phased basis since September 1995 when it was introduced in 50 centres. In the 1998/99 school year – the latest year for which uptake has been confirmed – the programme was provided in a total of 183 second level schools.

Each year, all second level schools are invited to apply or re-apply to provide the leaving certificate applied. Schools which express an interest in introducing the programme are provided with briefing and inservice support by the leaving certificate support service. A further 39 second level schools have provisionally indicated their intention to introduce the programme for the first time in the current (1999/00) school year.

Supports for second level schools in the free education scheme which introduce the leaving supports for second level schools in the free education scheme which introduce the leaving certificate applied include: an annual resource grant calculated on the basis of £125 per leaving certificate applied pupil, and grants for the purchase of necessary equipment.

Staffing for schools selected for the programme is allocated on the basis of 1.25 teachers per group of 20 students.