Exam may encourage more to take higher-level paper

Verdict: Leaving Cert technical drawing - Paper 1: Technical drawing paper one, which has been criticised for poor presentation in the past, was praised yesterday by teachers.

The projects chosen were "easy to visualise and gave students the chance to demonstrate their knowledge", said TUI subject expert Mr John O'Sullivan.

"The questions were in line with expectations and the diagrams were very well presented," he commented.

Students of both higher and ordinary level were asked to choose from seven questions and all demanded the drawing of diagrams. The exam was deemed easier than in previous years and this development has gone down well with teachers.

"Fifty-five per cent of technical drawing students take ordinary level," said Mr O'Sullivan.

"This is not good for the subject. Hopefully today's higher paper will encourage more students to take honours."

The ordinary-level students were pleased with their paper, which was also considered easier than previous years.

Technical drawing, which was chosen by 6,247 students this year, has been reviewed as a subject and a new syllabus is awaiting approval.

The new syllabus was designed to improve uptake, update content, and encourage more girls to take the subject.

To be known as Design and Communication Graphics, it will retain some of the old content while introducing a large graphic design component. It is hoped the design element will attract more female students - only 442 opted for the subject this year.