'The Junior Cert is an important stepping stone'

St Benildus College, Stillorgan
Conor Thompson (16), Nico Salvino (17) and Evin Scully (16)

ON ABOLISHING THE JUNIOR CERT

Conor Thompson: In some ways, the Junior Cert is overhyped, but its real value lies in preparing students for the Leaving Cert. It's an important stepping stone, and while abolishing it might save money, the negatives far outweigh the positives.

ON NEW MOON

Nico Salvino: This is the second film in the Twilightseries, and it's great.

I think people are fascinated by the vulnerability in the story: a girl is in love with two different guys – one a werewolf and one a vampire – so it’s a love triangle that could end in murder.

ON COMPULSORY HELMETS IN HURLING

NS: Helmets will become compulsory for hurlers next year. It's a good move as it will reduce head and facial injuries, but there's some people who would still prefer not to wear it.

ON ROY KEANE’S COMMENTS ABOUT THE IRISH SOCCER SQUAD

CT: I think it's almost funny that a man struggling with a weak team like Ipswich would slag off the Irish team. After the disappointment of being cheated out of a place in the World Cup, the last thing the country wanted to hear was him questioning the player's commitment. They worked their hearts out.

ON THE BLACK EYED PEAS

Evin Scully: Everybody seems to love their new song, I Gotta Feeling. I don't know why: it's repetitive and about nothing. Where is the love? I used to like them, but after lead singer Fergie went solo, they sold out. I'm not a fan any more.

ON STUDENT COUNCIL

NS: I enjoy being involved in student council. We've organised an anti-bullying campaign, which involves talking to the first years about bullying. We try to help them and have an e-mail address where we can take comments and have a general discussion. Student council knows first hand what is planned in the school; we've already been involved in introducing healthier school lunch options.