Papers provide scientific inspiration

Yesterday's student friendly Junior Cert science papers bode well for the uptake of science subjects at Leaving Cert, teachers have said.

Gerry King of Davitt College, Castlebar, Co Mayo, praised the presentation of the ordinary level paper: "There was clear layout and good use of language. My own students were quite happy with it."

The new structure, introduced in recent years, which allows students to write the answers on the question paper, was particularly student-friendly, King said.

Ray McGough, who teaches at Maghene College, Bundoran, Co Donegal, was also pleased with the new format at ordinary level. "There's very little writing, which suits the students. They like the style of this paper," he said.

The higher-level paper was well received in Davitt College. "It was a good test of three years' work, with wide-ranging questions," said King.

He hopes this type of paper will encourage students to take physics and chemistry at Leaving Cert. "The topics were relevant and there was nothing offputting about this paper."

McGough said chemistry is still causing problems. "My students weren't happy with the chemistry, something there still needs changing."

However, he said the Department is beginning to invest in the sciences. "If they keep modernising, I believe we will see a swing back to physics and chemistry."