State Exams Day 3: Live Updates & Reactions | Irish Times
geography leaving Cert exam gets a thumbs up, but the Junior Cycle English exam sparks controversy. Students adn teachers found the Leaving Cert geography paper to be balanced, with ample opportunities to showcase knowledge, especially in regional and physical geography, including topics like migration and human impact on biomes. Educators highlighted the fairness and breadth of the exam, offering relief to students. Though, the Junior Cycle English exam faces critiques regarding its fairness from teachers analyzing the questions. News Directory 3 sheds light on the varying reactions and insights. Discover what’s next as grading commences and discussions on exam reforms unfold.
Leaving Cert Geography exam Draws Positive Reviews; junior Cycle Criticized
Updated June 06, 2025
Teh Leaving Cert geography exam is receiving positive feedback from students and teachers alike, while the Junior Cycle English exam faces scrutiny over its fairness. the geography exam, part of the Leaving Cert, was held alongside the Junior Cycle history and math exams.
Stephen Doyle, a geography teacher at Moyle Park College, noted that the Leaving Cert geography exam’s first section mirrored previous years, offering a comfortable start for students. He highlighted the inclusion of map work and skills-based questions. According to Doyle, the higher-level exam provided ample options, with no major surprises in regional geography. He noted the economic section covered sustainable progress and EU policy, while the human geography section examined migration and urban expansion.
michael Doran, a geography teacher at The Institute of Education, echoed this sentiment, noting that students would be relieved to see anticipated topics such as deposition and human impact on biomes. He added that the exam tested students’ grasp of the entire course.
Dan Sheedy, a geography teacher and principal at TheTuitionCentre.ie, described the Leaving Cert geography paper as “very fair and balanced.” he pointed out the availability of choice in physical geography and the inclusion of human interference in biomes, which many students anticipated.Sheedy also noted the recurring themes of migration and the European Union throughout the paper.
However, the Junior Cycle English exam has drawn criticism. Alan O’Connor, a teacher, described the exam as “grossly unfair,” especially a question on short stories. In response, the State Examination Commission stated that the exam was “fully within the scope of the specification.”
What’s next
As students complete their exams, focus will shift to grading and the subsequent release of results. Discussions about potential reforms to the exam system are also expected to continue.