Junior Cert/Home Economics: With almost half of their marks already secured, yesterday's Junior Certificate Home Economics students were under less pressure than in previous years.

A culinary exam in April, combined with practical project options in craft, textiles and childcare, have proved very popular with students.

Yesterday's paper was applauded by teachers who found the layout very student friendly. Students at St Joseph's Secondary School in Stanhope Street, Dublin, were impressed by the delivery of the questions, which left little room for confusion.

"Key requirements were underlined in each section so that the students knew exactly what was asked of them," said ASTI subject convenor Deirdre Healy.

"In each question the wording very clearly defined the nature and quality of information that each student needed to provide. This made today's exam a very positive experience for all students."

Students of differing ability judged the paper fair. Other students were happy to note that the exam, and especially Section A, was very similar to this year's mocks. The ordinary level paper, taken by almost a third of students, was described as decent with no surprises. A total of 20,545 Junior Certificate students took Home Economics yesterday.