Enterprise Report (Leaving Cert LCVP): Revision Notes
Enterprise Report
What is the optional summary report?
The Optional Summary Report serves as an alternative to your Core Summary Report, covering a different activity from your main portfolio submission. This report must be 300-600 words and provides a comprehensive, factual, and reflective overview of your chosen experience.
The key distinction is that this report must cover a completely different activity from your main portfolio submission, giving you the opportunity to showcase additional experiences and skills.
The report demonstrates what occurred during the activity, your individual contribution, lessons learned, and how you would evaluate the overall success and potential improvements.
Suitable activities for your report
Your optional summary report can focus on any of these experiences:
- Second work experience placement - Different from your core portfolio activity
- Enterprise activity - Business or entrepreneurial project
- Class visit - Trip to local business or voluntary organisation
- Community project - Local community involvement or service
- Guest speaker event - Organised presentation or workshop
Essential structure components
1. Title and chosen activity
Create a clear, specific title that immediately identifies your activity. Include the name of the event or organisation, and date(s) when it occurred.
Example format: "Summary Report: Charity Fundraising Coffee Morning for Irish Cancer Society, 10 October 2024"
2. Purpose of the activity
Explain why the activity was organised and identify the target audience. This section establishes context and demonstrates your understanding of the activity's objectives.
Consider: What problem did it solve? Who was it aimed at? What were the intended outcomes?
3. Planning and preparation
Detail the preparation process and highlight your personal role and specific contributions. Avoid making it sound like you were simply observing.
Include practical elements such as:
- Securing permissions or venues
- Marketing and promotion strategies
- Organising resources or teams
- Assigning responsibilities for different tasks
This section is crucial - examiners specifically look for evidence that you understand the planning process and weren't just a passive participant.
4. Chronological account of the activity
Provide a step-by-step record of events including times, people involved, and key actions taken. This demonstrates your active participation and awareness of the process.
Use specific timeframes and concrete details rather than vague descriptions.
5. Skills used and developed
Identify the practical skills you utilised and developed during the activity. Focus on skills relevant to LCVP objectives such as:
- Communication - Customer service, presentations, negotiations
- Organisation - Time management, resource coordination
- Financial management - Budgeting, handling money, record keeping
- Teamwork - Collaboration, delegation, conflict resolution
6. Information and learning gained
Demonstrate what you learned beyond just completing tasks. Consider:
- Industry or sector knowledge gained
- Understanding of business processes
- Problem-solving experiences
- Insights into customer service or public engagement
7. Evaluation
Assess how successful the activity was using evidence rather than opinion. Include measurable outcomes where possible, such as money raised, attendance figures, or feedback received.
Demonstrate critical thinking by providing concrete examples of success and acknowledging any challenges faced.
8. Improvements for the future
Reflect on what could have been done differently or better. This shows maturity and learning from experience.
Consider areas such as:
- Time management during preparation
- Marketing and promotion strategies
- Resource planning and backup options
- Communication methods used
Key content requirements
Include these elements:
- Specific dates, names, and locations
- Clear description of your personal role - avoid passive language
- Factual, specific details rather than vague statements
- Evidence of genuine reflexion and learning
Avoid these mistakes:
- Skipping the planning section - examiners want to see preparation understanding
- Writing in bullet points - use full sentences and paragraphs
- Over-exaggerating results - be realistic but positive
- Using casual language - maintain formal report style
What examiners assess
Examiners evaluate your report based on:
- Logical flow from planning through to evaluation
- Specific contributions you made to the activity
- Evidence of skills development relevant to LCVP goals
- Balanced reflexion covering both successes and challenges
- Good presentation with appropriate word count (300-600 words)
Practical tips for success
Key Strategies for Success:
- Take detailed notes during and immediately after the activity, especially recording times, numbers, and feedback
- Include quantifiable results (money raised, attendance figures) as they strengthen your evaluation
- Connect the skills learned to future work or study opportunities
- Draught your report early, then revise for clarity and grammar
- Demonstrate how your learning applies beyond this single activity
Remember!
Critical Points to Keep in Mind:
- The Optional Summary Report covers a different activity from your Core Summary Report
- Keep within the 300-600 word limit while covering all required sections
- Focus on your personal role and contributions throughout the report
- Use specific evidence in your evaluation rather than general opinions
- Include concrete details about planning, preparation, and outcomes to demonstrate active participation