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Irish Examiner
12 hours ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
Leaving Cert English Paper 2 tests depth of knowledge with 'trickier' but fair questions
English Paper 2 was a 'trickier' exam than Paper 1, but students who knew their texts inside out will be rewarded, according to teachers reviewing the 2025 papers. The second day of the 2025 Leaving Cert continued on Thursday with English Paper 2, which tests students' knowledge of poetry, plays, and studied texts. 'They were two very good papers, particularly I thought the higher-level paper was really well pitched,' said Kate Barry, ASTI English spokesperson and teacher at Loreto, Fermoy, Co Cork. 'It was quite challenging, but that's what we want at higher level.' "It wasn't a paper that you could have gone in and had your pre-prepared essays learned off", she added. 'You had to really know your texts inside out and then be able to select what you knew and shaped it in response.' 'It wasn't offputtingly difficult for anybody but at the same time, there was plenty there for the able candidate to demonstrate their knowledge of the texts.' This year's King Lear question, which allowed students to discuss two characters, was likely very welcome, she noted. 'But it also would have been a good discriminator, as the characters they chose to write about would tell a lot about how familiar they were with the text.' Ordinary level Ms Barry said the Ordinary Level Paper 2 included a significant amount of reading. 'I really liked the last question, which was about a class having a debate,' she said. 'That's something that actually might have been done in class, and that would be good practice to do in class, so that would have been really welcome for a lot of the students.' "It would have been something that really engaged them, and gave them a chance to think critically about their texts.' Students tackling the Higher-Level Paper 2 likely needed a deep breath or two, said David Loughrey, English teacher and incoming principal at Bruce College, Cork. Carefully reading — and re-reading — the questions was essential to ensure students stayed on track with their written responses, he added. 'But for those who were able to navigate the tricky phrasing, unusual vocabulary, and heady themes such as duality, chaos, and inclusion throughout the paper, there was plenty of choice as well as scope for thoughtful responses and exploration.' He noted that while the comparative section required a creative approach, the prescribed poetry questions provided more comfort. 'Familiar names like Boland and Eliot gave students a footing, even if Boland's 'powerlessness' focus may have required some consideration on how to approach.' 'Overall, a more challenging and deeper paper than yesterday, but the rewards were there for those who could maintain composure and who could practice a creative, flexible approach to answering some tough questions.' Junior Cycle exams also continued on Thursday afternoon, with students sitting Geography.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
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.'
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
Could you pass English paper 1? First Leaving Cert exams of 2025 'very balanced'
Podcasting, underdogs, a 'love letter to Ireland', a rally cry to young people from the author of The Handmaid's Tale and an extract from the Booker Prize winner all featured on the higher level 2025 English paper 1. Overall, the first papers to open the 2025 Leaving Cert exams were 'very balanced' and themed around perspectives. Podcasting and poetry made appearances on the Junior Cycle papers, where a question on short stories may have caused some students to stumble. There were lots of opportunities for students when it came to the higher level English paper 1 Leaving Cert questions, according to Kate Barry. The English teacher with Loreto Secondary School, College Road in Fermoy and subject spokesperson for the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) said she believed this year's papers were 'very fair on the whole.' 'I really liked the three texts they gave,' she added. This included an article by science writer David Robson, a speech made by Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid's Tale, and an extract from Samantha Harvey's 2024 novel Orbital which won last year's Booker Prize. In her speech, Margaret Atwood gives advice to young people, referring to herself, 'a wise old counsellor'. 'It's good to see someone of her calibre appearing,' Ms Barry said. "There was a good level of challenge in the Section A questions.' 'The three questions were very similar, they were very consistent, and nice and general. They asked students to write about elements of language that are elegant, thought-provoking, or inspiring. Sometimes those questions can be very 'tick the box', whereas I thought this was nice and broad, you can bring in a lot there. However, she was more critical of the paper's Question Bs, which carry 50 marks. In particular, a question that asked students to imagine they are a contributor to a podcast while reflecting on how their perspective on a significant issue changed. 'I don't see why that question needs to be for a podcast,' Ms Barry said. 'It's a lovely invitation to write, it's a very nice topic and encourages them to think and reflect, but I don't see why it needs to be for a podcast.' 'I think they are trying to be current, and they think 'well a lot of people listen to podcasts'.' The other two Question Bs were more creative, asking students to imagine they are either a sports captain or a hotel manager. 'Not everybody is up for that so it was good to have a question where they could write as themselves.' Meanwhile, the higher-level essay topics, which carry 100 marks, were 'really nice'. 'There were some really nice options there, I thought,' Ms Barry said. In particular, she liked the option that asked students to write a speech for or against the motion that: Truth has become a valueless currency in today's world. 'I really like the questions where students can take it personally, and can write about their own lives, but there was plenty of scope there if they do want to engage in current events.' Another of the questions she liked was the option to write a love letter to Ireland. 'Some of these essay questions can be a bit doom and gloom, but this question asked students to view contemporary Ireland from an optimistic lens. It gives them an opportunity to be positive, which actually can be a challenge.' The only essay question she has concerns about was one asking students to reflect on some of the factors that would influence their voting intentions in future elections. 'You'd really expect and hope that all the people correcting that would put their own views to the side. I don't think it would be a popular one anyway." Ordinary level English paper 1 The ordinary level English paper 1 had some 'accessible' texts that included extracts from the writing of Paul Howard and Rosaleen McDonagh as well a visual image question themed around 'Love in Many Guises' which included song lyrics from The Beatles, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift as well as Mark Twain and Lao Tzu among others. In particular, Ms Barry liked the essay question on this paper that asked students to reflect on the importance of people standing up for their views and beliefs. "Sometimes people have different reasons for taking ordinary level English,' she said. 'Sometimes they haven't been in Ireland very long and wouldn't have enough English to do the higher-level paper but they would be well able to come up with their own thoughts and opinions. "It's not aimed too young, it takes into account that they are emerging adults, grappling with adult themes too.' Junior Cycle Overall, the Junior Cycle papers were 'lovely and clear', Ms Barry said. Similarly, the idea of perspectives came up on the Junior Cycle exam. Podcasting made another appearance on the 2025 Junior Cycle exam, with a question based around 'The Black & Irish Podcast'. However, a question asking students to write about a short story they have covered may have caused some to stumble. 'That technically is on the course, it is a specification but that specification is huge,' Ms Barry explained. 'The amount of material they must cover on it, and that is the first year they have specifically been asked to cover a short story they have studied. It's very, very difficult to teach the whole specification,' she added. 'I would expect they would interpret short stories there liberally when they go to correct it. It's something they might not have done. They would have read them as part of the Junior Cycle, but they mightn't have been expecting them as an exam question.' 'It's come up in the past to write their own short story, rather than analyse one as a text. Some of our students here, they were able to take something they had read and answer that way but I do think out of all the questions, that was so new and that would have been the one that caused some to stumble.' 'That will all be reflected when they come to the marking scheme, I would reassure people about that.' The ordinary level Junior Cycle paper was very 'nice and straightforward', she added. 'I'm not sure about this way they have of testing vocabulary where they ask what this word means, and they mightn't know the word, they just get given a random five words, but overall, I did think it was very candidate friendly.' Read More Record number of students to sit State exams this year
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Will the Class of 2025 be the last traditional Leaving Cert year – or will reforms be voted down?
Members of the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) have already voted to accept proposed Leaving Certificate reforms ahead of industrial action. However, the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) will announce its ballot of members on Friday. The union has not recommended a decision to its members. Originally both unions had been firmly against reforms to be rolled out in September. Educators raised concerns regarding a lack of preparation and a lack of resources. Tying reform to work and pay conditions is also really not right Lesley Byrne, principal of Clogher Road Community College in Crumlin, south Dublin, told the Irish Independent: 'Senior cycle reform is absolutely welcome and is long overdue. But the crux of the issue is that teachers feel, or have a sense, that the reform is being done to them instead of with them or by them. 'It really shouldn't be a situation where every time we have to have some reform, it ends up in unions having to balance their members. And tying reform to work and pay conditions is also really not right.' Teachers are at risk of losing up to 5pc of their salary if the move to put reforms in place isn't accepted, which makes it likely the motion will pass. In April, teachers also raised an alarm that reform was taking place without proper safeguards around artificial intelligence, which could potentially be used to gain an upper hand in written assessments. 'There's really genuine questions to be asked about the disparity in resources that different schools have access to,' Ms Byrne said. 'Some schools have good lab equipment and wifi, others don't. It might be assumed that every school has good wifi. That's not always the case. Things like that absolutely have to be addressed. 'The central issue is the CAO. It still has such a hold over the Leaving Cert system. Therefore teachers and school staff are so conscious that any minor change or any further disadvantage of some students could have a huge impact in terms of the CAO and what points students get – which obviously could have a bigger knock-on impact. 'If we really want to reform the senior cycle, none of that, I believe, can be done without a proper reform of the CAO system as it stands.' In April, teaching delegates passed emergency motions at their annual congress calling for their unions to move on industrial action if talks with the department failed to 'deliver an acceptable outcome". But educational sources believe it's inevitable the ASTI will also vote for changes, given the tie-in with wages at a time when house prices are rising and the cost of living is increasing. Resources remain a problem in some schools Concerns have been raised on the additional resourcing necessary to ensure no students are at a disadvantage due to reforms, particularly those in Deis schools. Paul Crone, director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), said while he felt reform is the 'correct direction of travel, resources remain a problem in some schools'. 'The department has committed to doing a survey to see how many schools this applies to but there's no doubt the science labs are a critical issue,' Mr Crone added. 'There's been a pause to the Summer Works Scheme in the last few years, where updates to science labs and facilities were made. Upgrades are now critical for reform to take place. 'The Additional Assessment Component (AAC) is essential to all of this. That's to help students to spread the assessment load and for the Leaving Cert to be less of a burden on them.' Under the reform plans, the AAC would see students assessed on skills and knowledge in addition to traditional written exams, worth a minimum of 40pc of the overall grade. The AAC is expected to come in the form of practical experiments, research projects, performance assessments or the creation of projects. The class of 2026 sits on the precipice of potential historic changes to the Leaving Cert, often viewed as the most important exam of a student's life. But observers say investigation from decision-makers is also vital to establish if reforms will actually go far enough to increase equity in the Leaving Cert and higher education system. Mr Crone said reform would really be 'worthless unless we tackle how students gain entry into Higher Education via the CAO'. 'We need to take back control in post-primary education,' he added. 'Second-level education needs to be exactly that and not a filter for higher education.' The Irish Independent has asked the Department of Education for a response.
Irish Times
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Teaching union votes to accept controversial Leaving Cert reforms
Members of the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) have voted by a margin of 73 per cent to 27 per cent to accept a package of supports aimed at easing the roll-out of controversial Leaving Certificate reforms. The outcome of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) ballot on the same issue is due next Friday. The strength of the TUI vote, however, looks likely to avert the threat of industrial action across second level schools in the autumn. It also paves the way for curriculum changes which seek to broaden assessment and ease pressure facing Leaving Cert students. READ MORE The reforms will see students awarded a minimum of 40 per cent for project work or practicals across all subjects. Minister for Education Helen McEntee , who has pushed ahead with the reforms despite calls for a pause from teaching unions, welcomed the outcome of the TUI vote. She thanked the union for its 'positive engagement' during recent negotiations and for its 'commitment to finding a shared path forward to the continued implementation of senior cycle redevelopment for the benefit of all students'. Teaching unions' annual conferences at Easter heard concerns that laboratories were ill-equipped for the volume of new research projects for physics, chemistry and biology. It was also stated that the changes would benefit affluent schools with access to more resources. During subsequent negotiations with teaching unions, the Department of Education announced a support package aimed at easing the roll-out of the reforms, which begin for fifth year students in September next. The package clarified that pay increases of up to 5 per cent, due under the public sector pay deal, were contingent on co-operating with senior cycle reforms. It also offered pledges of flexibility in relation to so-called Croke Park hours and a shorter qualifying period for teachers to attain job permanency by way of a contract of indefinite duration. In addition, the support package pledged to address teachers' concerns over workload and authenticating students' work against a backdrop of rapid developments in artificial intelligence (AI), among other issues. The TUI's executive committee had recommended acceptance, stating that it believed the measures were the 'best that could be achieved through negotiation'. The ASTI, on the other hand, did not issue any recommendation to members. In a statement on Friday evening, the TUI said it made clear at all times that the ballot was on the 'acceptability of the implementation measures and not the actual curriculum', which the Minister has the power to prescribe under the Education Act and 'which other stakeholders have no veto over'. TUI president David Waters said its members had assessed the support package for senior cycle implementation and voted to accept it. 'However, it is clear that they still have a range of concerns around various issues related to the redevelopment process, and we will be insisting that the department honours the commitments set out in the negotiated document,' Mr Waters said. He said members still had concerns about the system capacity for the roll-out of the science subjects in schools that have been 'chronically under-resourced', the potential risks to assessment posed by AI and the additional resourcing required to ensure that 'no students, particularly those in Deis settings, are put at a disadvantage by any of the changes'. 'It is now imperative that these and any other arising issues are urgently addressed,' Mr Waters said. Earlier this week, the TUI welcomed a report in The Irish Times of a delay in the implementation of changes in English and accounting until September 2027. The reforms – including oral exams for English – were due to roll out in September 2026.
