Bradawls, basts, bulbs and blades. It was all grist to the mill of Junior Cert students who did their materials technology (wood) exam yesterday.
Teachers were happy with both sets of papers. Students tackled questions on issues ranging from grains and mouldings to instruments, gardening tools and hinges.
No higher-level students blanched on sight of the laminated beech stool diagram, which was given as a dimensioned isometric drawing. They were asked to prepare an orthographic working drawing of the stool and then, with the aid of notes and sketches, describe a suitable method for strengthening the edge joints.
Mr Antoin O Briain, principal of Gairmscoil Mhuire, Thurles, Co Tipperary, and a member of the TUI course committee, said the exam at both levels was "very good, very fair. There was a good wide choice in each case and nothing in any of them that would have prevented a person doing well." The higher-level paper was "grand". There was "a very wide choice to cater for all ranges of knowledge. The long paper was interesting and there was a good choice in the short questions for everybody." The same applied at ordinary level, he said. "It was testing and that's important. It was also very fair. There was sufficient choice to cater for every range of ability."
Students at Wesley College, Dublin, were "happy enough", according to one of their teachers, Mr Gerry Walsh, a member of the Association of Materials Technology and Graphic Teachers. "Those doing higher level seemed happy enough," he said.