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.

She added that well-prepared candidates should have found the papers to be within their capabilities.

In Leaving Certificate Spanish, Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland subject spokeswoman Laoise O’Boyle said the higher-level exam was very fair and accessible. It was very much based on Spanish culture and lifestyle, including articles on Spanish people learning English.

She said there were broad essay titles, on the positives of change and on traditions, giving students a chance to show flair in vocabulary.

For ordinary-level students, Ms O’Boyle said the first question, which is usually tricky — where questions are in Spanish and must be answered in Spanish — was very manageable. She said the written section did not produce any surprises.

In the listening section, where students at both levels hear the same audio, she said a variety of topics came up. These included an interview with actor Antonio Banderas, an item about the king of Spain, and tapas.

Pieces about the weather can be complicated, but Ms O’Boyle said this year’s one was very accessible. An item on binge-drinking tourists in Barcelona troubled some students.