Some 6,500 junior cert metalwork students were happy with the higher level written examination which was seen as fair, according to Donal Cremin, ASTI representative and a teacher at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Kerry.

Metalwork students have already completed course work set by the State Examinations Commission which included a project in April and a practical exam in May, both accounting for 37.5 per cent of their overall mark. The Leaving Cert exam itself accounts for just 25 per cent of marks. For the project students had to design and make a remote control tricycle, while the practical exam demanded high levels of engineering precision, said Mr Cremin.

“The written examination contained a nice mixture of questions on both traditional metal work and modern cutting edge technology. Topics such as the design of a remote control console to the environmental impact of drone technology featured. Computer technology also featured and students were asked to describe the risks and precautions associated with online activity. There was a compulsory question on a model remote control trike which students had already designed and made as part of the course work.”

Blast furnace

He said that students would have been happy to see a detailed question on decorative metalwork processes and one on the blast furnace and lathe work. The paper was similar in layout and structure to previous years and diagrams were relevant and clear and used to good effect throughout the examination paper.

The ordinary level paper was well received, said Mr Cronin, and the use of visually stunning images and graphics to stimulate students was particularly welcome. “Students were asked about a model aircraft which they made as part of their course work. Questions on tablet computers and smart phones featured in an accessible and relevant examination paper.”