Mixed reaction after a few challenges cooked up

THERE was mixed reaction to the Leaving Certificate Home Economics higher level paper.

Maura McCaul of the ASTI and Loreto College, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, described it as straightforward, balanced and 'very well received by students'.

However, Sandra Cleary of the Institute of Education said there was 'a sense of disappointment that the paper did not reward the dedicated student who spent many hours covering this extensive course'.

Ms McCaul commented on the 'slight deviation' in the section B compulsory question 1, worth 20pc of the marks, and which, although food related, required students to do an analysis of the market.

Ms Cleary said the question was not difficult but was disjointed, with no connection between the pie chart presented in (a) of the question and the (b) and (c) parts.

They both agreed that question 3 may have presented difficulties, with Ms McCaul describing the (a) part 'as a little bit challenging', while Ms Cleary said the question was 'far too long and disjointed'.

Students who studied past papers may have welcomed the reappearance, for the third time since 2005, the (c) part, dealing with the adequacy of housing provision in Ireland.

However, Ms McCaul said it was a quite difficult question because it was fairly broad, and she thought it may not have suited those who operated on the basis of a process of elimination.

Both teachers agreed that the ordinary level paper was fair, although Ms McCaul said the compulsory question on consumer demand for value-added food products could have been challenging.

- Katherine Donnelly