Pupils happy with papers that had a modern feel

STUDENTS were happy with both the higher and ordinary level Junior Certificate technology papers, according to teachers.

Seamus Walshe, Presentation College Carlow and the ASTI, said the papers had no surprises and were very manageable. “Both had good clear graphics which added to the technological feel,” he said.

Mr Walshe said the higher level paper rewarded those who were good at calculating gear ratios with three-part questions on this topic.

Overall, he said the paper examined a good range of topics including drawing skills, electronics, mechanics and materials processes.

“A modern feel was given by the question on robotics and control involving drones and driverless vehicles, while the frontiers of technology were also represented at ordinary level with a question involving the Mars Rover,” he added.

Fiona Byrne, Castleknock Community College and TUI, agreed that the higher level paper was very accessible, offering a good and broad choice.

She said there were nice current design and current technology elements, such as questions about technological developments in sport and on aerial drones.

Ms Byrne said students would also have liked the heavy focus on transport, which was a feature of papers at both levels, but particularly at ordinary level.