Leaving Cert home economics paper praised for clarity, relevance, and focus on sustainability
Leaving Cert home economics students would have been "delighted" with the straightforward 2025 exam, which allowed them to showcase their in-depth understanding of the course.
That was the view of teachers who reviewed the exam papers as the first day of the 2025 Leaving Cert continued on Wednesday afternoon.
Exams also took place for Junior Cycle students in religious education.
Both the higher and ordinary level home economics papers were well received by students, according to Maura McCaul, a teacher at Loreto College and subject spokesperson for the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI).
'They were two very straightforward papers, covering a range of topics that allowed for the student to show off their knowledge and research related to modern-day living.'
The higher-level paper placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, with questions focusing on environmental awareness, interior design, and waste and water management.
Other social issues also featured, she added.
'They were asked to discuss social housing provision and the requirements of housing for families with disabilities. Very topical in relation to today's society, so students would have been very pleased with that.'
She noted that the exam also placed a strong focus on money management.
'There was budgeting on both the higher and ordinary level paper and everything from mortgage approval to merchandising technics and consumer research.'
Ella Cleary and Andrea Whittaker look over the home economics exam paper after the examination at Regina Mundi College, Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins
A "very nice" question explored the impact of food choices and eating habits in Ireland today.
'This was another question where a student would have research for, from across a range of topics on the course, ' she explained.
Ordinary level
The ordinary level paper was also very well received, Ms McCaul said.
'Very straightforward and there was a very good choice of short questions.'
Similarly to the higher level paper, there was a sociological element to the questions with one question about poverty, and another about lifelong learning.
'As well as the topical issue of childcare in Ireland.'
Studyclix subject spokesperson Megan Friel, a home economics teacher at Mercy College, Sligo, said the higher-level paper was "very practical, topical, student-friendly, and contained no curveballs."
'There were plenty of nice questions in this exam. Section B Q1 was compulsory and focused on the impact of food choices and eating habits of adults in Ireland. This was very relevant to students and gave them the opportunity to display their in-depth knowledge of the course.'
She also described the ordinary level paper as "student-friendly and accessible."
Section B, Question 1 included a clear and simple chart on soup, while students will be relieved that Question 2 followed the same format as in previous years.
Overall this was a very fair paper which will likely have brought a smile to the faces of students and teachers alike.'
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