The Burning Question: How much study are you doing tonight?

Michael Foley

I do about four hours study a night. We have a supervised study hour after school, which is voluntary. I find it helps to discipline my study. I do a further three hours when I get home and take 10- to 15-minute breaks. I don't watch much TV, probably only an hour or so during the week. I'll start studying at about 6.30 and finish for the night about 10 p.m.

Martin Kent

I'll have something to eat when I go home, and then start. I start with the subject I like the least, which with me is maths, and I do my favourite, construction studies, last. I do about four hours a night, with the extra study hour at school. We can also do extra classes after school or lunchtime. I do 30 minutes each subject and take a break after every two subjects.

Evelyn O'Connell

About three hours. I stayed for study hour at the beginning of the year, but it suits me better to go home, have something to eat and get started. I'll do about 40 minutes on a subject at a go. I used to just stick to one subject all night, but it is better to change to something else after a while or you just lose concentration. I find it harder to get motivated second time round.

Antony O'Connell

I'll do two-and-a-half hours, maybe three at the most. On a Wednesday night I would take it a bit easier because we have a half-day. It's important to get out and see my friends as well - you need to have a bit of a break. I study in the front room and I just get straight down to it when I get in from school to get it over with. I get peace there away from the TV and radio.

Anne-Marie Murphy

I'll have some food when I go home and then do about three-and-a-half hours. I'll finish up about 9.30 p.m. The latest I work is 10 p.m. because I have to get up at 7 a.m. to get the bus. I do three subjects a night and take 10-minute breaks. I organise breaks around TV shows I want to see - after 15 minutes I record the rest of the programme and watch it next break.