Leaving Cert: Chemistry: Chemistry students were left reeling yesterday when they were asked a question which is not on the Leaving Certificate syllabus. Kathryn Holmquist, Education Correspondent, reports.
The chairperson of the Irish Science Teachers Association stated that Question 2 (e) on the higher level chemistry paper was "clearly an error" and that students would be compensated at marking conferences.
The TUI last night criticised the "confusion" and "ambiguity" which disturbed many teachers and students yesterday regarding the honours level paper. "Once again a paper trapped the students and showed no generosity," stated John MacGabhann, research and education officer with the union.
After the alleged faulty questions in the maths, biology and Irish papers, this mistake was the last thing students needed.
As honours level chemistry students madly texted 5-7 live on RTE Radio 1, experienced science teachers and, indeed, markers contacted The Irish Times to adamantly state that Question 2(e) is not on the syllabus and should not have been on the exam.
An inspection of the syllabus by The Irish Times supports that impression.
Sources close to the syllabus committee have told The Irish Times that this impression is also supported by a commonly-used textbook. It clearly states that the equation required by Question 2(e) would not be required for tests.
On the exam, Question 2(e) states: "Ethyne, C2H2, is described as an unsaturated hydrocarbon. Describe a test you could carry out to show that ethyne is unsaturated. Write an equation for the reaction taking place. Name the organic product."
However, the syllabus states: "Mandatory experiment 5.2 (equations and structures of products not required for the tests for unsaturation)."
Therefore, students would be required to know the name of the structure of the product, but not the equation.
The chief examiner for chemistry, with the State Examinations Commission, could not be reached for comment last night, the commission stated.
Otherwise, both the higher and ordinary level chemistry exams were regarded as balanced and fair. Mr George Moran, ASTI chemistry spokesperson, said that another problem was that a lot of questions were linked to experiments listed in the syllabus, but which could not be carried out safely due to a lack of laboratory assistants in secondary schools.