Home economics fair but German grammar a challenge

More than 21,500 Junior Certificate home economics students were examined on a range of everyday living issues.

Kate Hehir, Teachers’ Union of Ireland subject spokeswoman, said higher- level students would have been pleased with questions about the nutritional values of a fruit smoothie and savings on home heating costs. She said the exam was fair and within the capabilities of any well-prepared student.

Maura McCaul of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland, said healthy eating and obesity was the subject of another nice question, as it had been the subject of publicity and campaigning in recent years.