First exam over - and Mullingar teens take it all in their stride

Coláiste Mhuire Junior Cert students Andrew Daly, Mullingar, James Kerrigan, Ballinea and Enda Gaffney, Delvin were just out from the new format English paper.

Andrew Daly's analysis was that the paper was quite tough, and James found it demanding timewise: "It was long," he said, adding that there was a lot to do in the time available.

The content was also a surprise: "The novels we studied didn't come up," said Enda. While the poetry was there, it was somewhat disappointing about the novels.

At the time of writing, the boys were getting set to return to the exam hall for their CPSE exam.

Loreto College Leaving Cert student Lauren Flaherty was happy enough with the higher level English paper.
"It was OK," was her verdict.
However, the essay choices weren't great - with options such as discussing the positive and negative aspects of different types of advertising; how to support democracy in today's world, and whether it is scientists or writers and artists who continue to make the greatest contribution to society.