Some of the learners who received their LCA results
The learners, who studied the two-year LCA at LYS’ Community Training Centre, saw their hard work rewarded with excellent results, with one learner earning the highest mark in the country!
‘I can’t believe it!’ cried Erica O’Donoghue as she opened the envelope containing her results. ‘I got a distinction-100%. I’m in shock!
‘LYS, will always have a special place in my heart’
Erica’s success is very impressive given her educational journey saw her leave school when she 15 thinking that school at and college was not for her. However, Erica’s life changed when enrolled the Bakery Skills courses at LYS’ Community Training Centre.
‘During my time in the bakery, I learned a lot about myself and heard about the Leaving Cert Applied course. After a chat with my instructor, Paul O’Brien, I decided to give the LCA a try,’ said Erica.
Two years later Erica, stands proudly outside LYS with her results and as she looks forward to the next step in her educational career, she fondly remembers her time with LYS.
‘The staff were simply amazing. They encouraged us all and when times were tough, as they sometimes were, they were always there with to support us and urge us on,’ said Erica.
‘LYS, will always have a special place in my heart, from the teachers, staff and youth workers in Garryowen (where Erica is a member of the LYS Irishtown Youth Diversion Project). They were always there with a friendly smile and words of encouragement,’ said an emotional Erica.
The next leg of Erica’s journey will take to Central College Limerick (CCL), where the Garryowen native will enrol in the Health Care Course.
‘I want to work in palliative care as it’s something that means a lot to me,’ said Erica adding, ‘after CCL, I plan on studying a nursing degree in UL (University of Limerick).
Well Done LCAs
Erica O’Donoghue (right) proudly displays her LCA Distinction with Noreen Murphy, course coordinator
Leaving Certificate Applied Coordinator Noreen Murphy was delighted with the results saying ‘we are beyond happy.’
‘This is a huge achievement by that is realised through consistently hard work and commitment to the programme. The young people have overcome many obstacles to get to this point,’ said Noreen.
‘We would like to thank the learners for their support, patience and understanding particularly during the periods of lockdown and remote learning during the first year of their course’ said Noreen.
‘On behalf of all the LCA teaching team, the instructors as our Community Training Centre and the wider LYS staff, we who wish all the Class of 2023 the very best in the future.
What is the Leaving Certificate Applied
The Leaving Cert Applied is a two year course that meets the needs of students who prefer the practical and continuous assessment approach in contrast to that of the ‘mainstream’ Leaving Cert.
It is continually assessed with a strong emphasis on recognising the talents of all students, giving them opportunities through the subjects and modules to develop personal responsibility and self-esteem.
The LCA is part of the education and training curriculum delivered at LYS’ Community Training Centre, Lr. Glentworth St, Limerick with the support of the Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board.
A member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Community Training Centres, LYS remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them to reach their full potential.
ENDS####
