Tests build on firm foundation

Realistic and relevant papers marked the Leaving Cert construction studies exams at both higher and ordinary level.

"The higher-level paper is really going in the right direction," said Charlie Lyons, of the Association of Materials Technology and Graphics Teachers and teacher at St Killian's Community School, Bray, Co Wicklow.

"There was good emphasis on the built environment with questions on vernacular architecture and heritage and on the demolition of listed buildings." Lyons particularly praised the inclusion of realistic examples and wide-ranging questions, however he said it was not an easy paper. "The paper was fair, but it was also very tough."

Lyons said he would have liked to see a choice in question 3. Question 5 (b) on fuel efficiency was "difficult enough", he said, and question 7 on heat was "a bit too long".

Question 1 on the higher-level paper is compulsory. It is often very complicated and can throw students, said Lyons. This year, however, "it was very reasonable".

The ordinary-level paper was "excellent", he said. "The students were really happy with the range of questions open to them. The paper dealt with everything from planning permission to sewage disposal to safety on building sites."

The topics chosen were "realistic, relevant, topical and current" and were well within the scope of ordinary-level students.