Leaving Certificate: economicsDecentralisation and SSIAs were just two of the topics up for discussion on yesterday's higher level Leaving Certificate economics paper. Almost 4,500 hundred students took the exam, which was described as "newsy" and "hard to finish" by students.
"We could have done with an extra half hour," said one student in Co Clare. "Either that or they shouldn't have asked so many questions," said another. Teacher and ASTI subject convenor Michael Corley agreed that the paper was lengthy, but welcomed its overall content and tone.
"There were some sections where students could have been asked for less information," said Mr Corley. "For example, they were asked for two economic advantages and two disadvantages of SSIAs in a short question - one on each would have been enough."
Generally, however, commentators regarded the paper as a fair one that did not create any real causes for concern. The issue of the length of the paper is not new.
There was a good balance between micro- and macro-economics and teachers were pleased with the topical nature of many of the questions, especially those on the dangers of inflation and the economic advantages and disadvantages of decentralisation.
Mr Corley, also the chairman of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment's course committee on economics, said he was confident that a new syllabus would be introduced within the next two to three years.
"A new course has been long in the making, and is almost fully agreed, apart from a section on course work," Mr Corley confirmed. "Now we are just waiting for a slot to introduce the new syllabus."
The new course is expected to introduce components on the European Central Bank and the role of the EU in Irish economics. It is also hoped that sections on environmental economics and social disadvantage will be included.
"These new aspects are hoped to make the course more interesting and relevant to students," said Mr Corley. The numbers taking Leaving Cert economics have fallen since last year. Just over one-third of economics students are female.
Yesterday's ordinary level paper was also considered manageable.
