First-time question in organic chemistry

For more than 9,000 chemistry students, a three-hour Leaving Certificate exam featured one topic examined for the first time.

Mairead Glynn, subject spokesperson for the Teachers’ Union of Ireland, said it appeared to be the first time that a practical question on the organic chemistry topic added to the syllabus in 2013 was included on the paper.

She said questions on the higher and ordinary-level exams were wide ranging, and students had a lot of choice.