Junior Cert science exam 'accessible and reasonably fair'

James Cox

A teacher has said the Junior Cert science exam was "an accessible and reasonably fair paper".

Studyclix subject expert Liam Hennelly, a science teacher at Belvedere College SJ in Dublin, said: “The content of the questions in Section A was very fair and accessible. It would have allowed students to settle into the paper and to pick up a lot of marks. Four of 10 question were Chemistry questions. There were three questions on Biology and two questions on Physics with one question on Earth and Space in this section.

“Section B of the paper was more challenging. In a change from previous years, Section B contained just four questions, Q11 was worth 30 marks and Q12-14 were worth 60 marks each. A recurring theme was that topics from the different strands of the specifications were interwoven into the questions."

Mr Hennelly added: "Question 11 was on Electricity and the question was about circuits and mainly focused on resistance provided by a thermistor. Question 12 was an accessible question on Rates of Reaction from the Chemical World Strand with a really nice question on how reduced surface area of villi in the small intestine can lead to malnourishment.

“Question 13 was on the Earth & Space and Physics strands. Students had to be able to interpret data from a table provided, work out whether a diagram was showing a solar or lunar eclipse and discuss a technological application of physics in of scientific, societal and environmental impact."

Mr Hennelly said the lack of choice in the paper and lack of challenge for "more able students" continues to be an issue.