Over 9,000 students sat the Leaving Cert construction studies exam yesterday, which is an increase of around 1,500 from last year.
The paper was described as very challenging by students and teachers. Students were expected to do a lot of reading compared to previous papers, however questions were more relevant and up-to-date.
For example, students were asked to design a kitchen, living and dining area for a person with special needs.
Donal Lynch, a construction studies teacher at Crescent College Comprehensive, Dooradoyle, Limerick said that although the paper was well presented and the wording was very clear, it was a difficult exam.
Noel O' Neill, ASTI spokesperson on construction studies, said the paper required students to apply their knowledge to situations presented to them on the paper.
Some teachers felt the present syllabus is not design driven and the paper was too wordy.
However students said the paper was challenging but well balanced and offered good choice.