LC Blog (2016) ISSU LC Blog (2016) ISSU

Leaving Certificate Maths Paper 2

Craig - Ordinary Level Craig McHugh

For those, like myself depending upon "construct a triangle" to come up - today was a blessing!What a relief! That paper was lovely! I was quite tight on time today as I had Irish paper 2 to study for! I'm pretty happy with that paper, they were kind to us in maths this year to be fair - there was plenty of opportunity to show off what we knew!  

Ellen - Higher Level DSC04117 (1)

Was it just me or were those long questions a blessing? Seriously I was braced for one of the worst exams of my life after those short q's and then along came that beaut of a lantern. I have never loved pythagoras' theorem so much. I actually love sin and cos graphs so I was in my element with that port question (even with a shneaky bit of differentiation thrown in). Stats has never been my favourite but even I could do the final question. With 40 minutes to spare I could go back to those impossible short questions. I was as heartbroken as anybody to find that none of the constructions or proofs we had spent so long learning off by heart came up.  I answered all of them, even though I had no clue what to do for some (the cos question anybody?) and how to do the raffle question is anybodies guess.Overall though, I'm quite pleased with that paper, especially in comparison with Paper 1.

Liam - Higher Level DSC04124 (1)

I must say, paper 2 could have gone a lot worse! I've always been a paper 1 kinda guy, owing to the fact I'm not the biggest fan of Stats, Probabilty or even the circle side of Geometry but aside from all that, I'm reasonably happy with maths.The first section was reasonably okay. There were some parts that were reasonably tricky and needed some time, such as the geometric circle question 2 or the Venn diagram in  question 5. Those things I never really had much interest to begin with so I forgot that I didn't know them... oops.The long questions. The place where even the SatNav would get confused and lost at times was actually okay! Usually Stats always put me off but this time they were quite easy. The questions were straightforward and for once... as you'd expect to see them in the textbook!I never seem to time myself for maths, it's usually a case of doing what I like first and then.... the rest. But I figured it best to get the disgusting statistics and probability out of the was as quick as possible too, even there wasn't too much of it there!It wasn't too bad, in saying that, it could've been a lot worse!

Emma - Ordinary Level Emma O'Callaghan

Maths paper two was surprisingly not as bad as I thought it would be!! For a girl with little mathematical capability I flew through the easier parts and like everything the harder parts took more time similar to paper one. Although it would not be right to say that it was EASY, I found it more manageable than the past few years exam papers!! Perhaps it is being in the exam hall which makes you concentrate more than at home when you are trying to figure out difficult parts!The questions on the line, the circle and the triangle caught me because it is something I failed to revise properly, but I attempted everything. I found section b much more manageable and had severe trouble with drawing that pie chart, which took me over half an hour!! Classic pass maths.Overall my final experience with maths was positive, but I was thrilled to dump the exam papers and put the maths set away!!

Cárthach - Higher Level DSC04123 (1)

Are we the first year to have not experienced writing a theorem in an exam of higher level maths!? For the Junior Cert, we got away with it, again this year, I was delighted! (I'm sorry for those who had it learned and depended on it, but I won't complain)!I felt the paper was tricky, but luckily, the project maths element came through, with fairly practical questions being the longest and awarded most marks, but with a few short 25m two part questions. The hardest for me were surely the Probability and Statistics questions, but the trigonometry suited me, so I think there was something in it for everyone, but I wouldn't say it was easy!It relied a lot on all aspects of the course(s) coming together. Overall, I'm hoping I passed, no guarantee, but it could have been worse, much worse! That was the last of the exams I was worried about, I must say, people make this whole craic out to be much worse than it is, if an exam goes wrong, which it can and does happen, it's not the end of the world, just focus on getting back on track for the rest of the exams! Best of luck with the rest of the exams! (:

Please note: blog posts reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily the opinion of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union. Blogs are updated daily by 6.30 pm on scheduled examination dates.Zeminar is an event for Generation Z, particularly those aged between 15 and 19, and their parents, teachers, mentors and coaches. It will take place from 11th - 13th of October 2016. For more information see www.zeminar.ieZeminar cover image

Read More
JC Blog (2016) ISSU JC Blog (2016) ISSU

Junior Certificate Maths Paper 2

 

Kate - Higher Level DSC04118 (1)

I was somewhat dreading this paper due to my experience in maths paper one. After a disastrous maths paper one, paper two was delightful. Paper two is my stronger paper and I surprisingly dint' struggle with any of the questions. I answered the theorem question first (as it I would forget it if I didn't do it straight away). The theorem was wonderful, 'prove that all the angles in a triangle add up to 180'. Next I went back to the start and answered everything. The first question,  I answered using trial and error so I may lose some marks but sure what can you do. The question on the inter quartile range threw me a little and I ended up doing two or three graphs to display my data. Other than that the paper was great. Compared to the difficult paper one, I was glad to have an easy paper to save my grade. All in all I thought this paper was wonderful and a nice follow up to paper one!

Philip - Higher Level Philip Crowe. Abbey CBS

I opened this paper and went straight to the theorems while I still remembered them. I have to be honest here, I almost laughed when I saw what theorem it was. I don't think anyone would disagree that we got the easiest theorem. I mean, what are the odds? (Ok its like 1 in 5 but most of the teachers in my school were predicting the pythagoras theorem proof). Anyway I think that's enough about the theorem.After that I went back to the start and worked my way through. The paper over all went well enough, there were a few questions I found though but I think they were only five markers (but it was an irrational panic because I finished with time to spare). For some reason the graph question went against me, it just didn't seem to be working out, but I think I got most of the answers on that question. I think most of the other questions were in the log tables!

Shane - Higher Level Shane Macken

So, Maths is over! I could not be any happier to tell you the truth (that is until I finish TG). I feel fine about this paper. Some parts were easy, some weren’t. I was going fine until Q4 on co-ordinate geometry. I spent a lot of time studying it but still just couldn’t do it. Anyways, things picked back up after it and I was working away well. The whole feeling of this paper was also different. I sat down and started it, but everything felt quite slow. I felt like I sped through Paper 1 on Friday but this felt much longer and drawn out. I was also extremely annoyed they put the easiest theorem on the paper because I invested a ridiculous amount of time studying theorem 14 (proving Pythagoras) and then the one one the angles in a triangle adding up to 180 degrees comes up instead? Honestly, I still feel I did well but I didn’t like the format of this paper.It felt different to other years and just weird. Fingers crossed that I got the B! I will be glad to see the back of an exam year Maths class for another year. I hope you all did well in this paper and are feeling very optimistic!

Chloe - Higher Level Chloe Griffin. Scoil Ruain

Well I can start by saying I am so happy that theorem of Pythagoras didn’t come up as I was dreading its appearance and thankfully to prove that the 3 angles of a triangle add up to 180 degrees did. This was my first question and it was also the beginning and end of my happiness in paper 2.I can honestly say that I couldn’t answer one question with a full notion of getting it right. I was scanning my brain for inspiration and it never came. I began with the idea that paper 2 was my ‘favourite’ but that was slowly crushed as I delved into the pages. So much for relying on it to push up my grade, now that I look back paper 1 was much more straight forward!That’s my opinion, but most of my friends were the contrary I think it was just one of those exams where things just weren’t ‘clicking’ if you know what I mean.Overall paper 2 was a disaster I stuck at it though and didn’t give up with questions easily, which I’m proud of but overall I’m disappointed with it….to say the least!!

Joe - Higher Level Joe Mee - Scoil Ruain

After doing poorly on paper one I was not looking forward to this exam.The exam itself wasn't as difficult as I had feared. I understood most question bar a few parts. The exam went well and the paper had no nasty surprises.    Please note: blog posts reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily the opinion of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union. Blogs are updated daily by 6.30 pm on scheduled examination dates.Zeminar is an event for Generation Z, particularly those aged between 15 and 19, and their parents, teachers, mentors and coaches. It will take place from 11th - 13th of October 2016. For more information see www.zeminar.ieZeminar cover image

Read More
LC Blog (2016) ISSU LC Blog (2016) ISSU

Leaving Certificate Irish Paper 1

Cárthach - Higher Level DSC04123 (1)

Nach álainn a bhí sí! (Dar liom)!Cheap mé go raibh an cluastuisint cóir, níor bhraith mé go mbeadh fadhb ag éinne le foclóir srl. Bhí cúpla ceist a chur brú orm claoninsint a úsáid, ach ní raibh sé seo éigeantach!The listening comprehension was nice, nothing too technical I don't think, however two places I thought you had to use indirect speech, which is uncommon, but it wasn't necessary!The essay titles were very good, there really was a wide variety of open topics to interpret in different ways and pretty much everyone I talked to before the exams were hoping for some topic in particular and some essay suited them!Bhí dóthain seansanna ann dóibh siúd a d'ullmhaigh ábhair ar 1916, fadhbanna an lae inniu agus gnáth aistí a bhíonn ar fáil i ngach téacsleabhair agus fós a thug deiseanna do lucht labhartha na Gaoluinne a gcaighdeán a thaispeáint!Best moment is when you know the band in the listening and knew how they were busy last summer before the speaker said it, hup An Crann Óg!

Ellen - Higher Level  DSC04117 (1)

Finally my prayers have been answered - in the form of an aiste on imirce, would you believe it? Imirce is my jam and the nathanna deasa were flowing. Unfortunately, I had a few mishaps with grammar which I know even now- let that be a lesson kids, don't use the modh conníolladh if you actually don't know how!Even the listening was quite doable this year, with all of the SEC's favourite focail getting a mention - ina measc feachtas, deontas, míle and eagraíocht. Irish paper I was lovely and relaxed, in complete contrast to what's expected tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm off to watch the Euros!

Liam - Higher Level DSC04124 (1)

Táim croíbhriste lads. No more "Léigh anois go cúramach ar the scrúdpháipéar na treoracha agus na ceisteanna a ghabhann le cuid A" or that reassuring beep that prepares you for the banter that's about to unfold. I thought the cluastuiscint was actually pretty okay! Delighted the Donegal only made an appearance in Fógra a hAon too, no offence muintir Dún na nGall! It was a good cluastuiscint. Anyone else like the big where Clíona seemed a big p'd off at Seán for not doing TY..? Only me...? Oh well, at least I enjoyed that cluastuiscint!It took me a good 10-12 minutes to decide what Aiste to do, it's alright guys, you can afford the time on Paper 1. I eventually went with 'Cultúr na ndaoine óga' and planned and wrote the essay about different aspects of a young person's life. I kept an eye out for the grammar when I writing it because again in Paper 1, you've got the time for it! 5 pages later and a last grammatical read-over and 4:20 pm showed up.I'm happy with Paper 1, who doesn't like a good aiste like! Tomorrow is where the fun'll happen, cannot wait! Ubh agus chips to celebrate!

Emma - Higher Level Emma O'Callaghan

Irish paper one!! Another dream paper for me!! The listening was very, very simple compared to previous years, with little Donegal accents evident, which is always a good sign! The topics were interesting and relevant like TY, Conradh na Gaeilge and so on!Onto the written paper. I only prepared two essays but a wide range of topics so I felt ready for whatever could have been thrown. Surprisingly the titles were extremely relevant and matched predictions- 1916, imirce and of course the most chosen essay - Daoine Óga! I, like most people, picked the young peoples essays and discussed it with regards to a couple of main topics- the education system and point system,  alcohol and drugs, mental health and the implications of suicide, weight issues and unemployment! This essay title was wide open to a lot of interpretation which is always handy! Overall I tipped the 5 page mark and stayed until the very end reading it over and over again. I also did a rough draft of the essay on an extra sheet of paper to ensure everything was word perfect and that my phrasing made sense. Time flies rewriting the essay! I also spent about 30 mins planning the essay, making spider diagrams and signposting each topic back to the title. It is key to ensure your essay is relevant!I can't WAIT to see what's in store for paper two tomorrow! Go bhfóire Dia orainn!

Craig - Higher Level Craig McHugh

I don't know why exactly I'm doing this but today I jumped from Ordinary Level of two years to Higher Level. Today's listening test was insane, I'm not sure what happened there. I did the essay on wonder. I fitted the typical gardai sa teach story in and brought in the wonder as to who they where because they'd masks on.Candles welcome of course to pray for what could be joyous or revolting tomorrow. I'm not sane.

Please note: blog posts reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily the opinion of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union. Blogs are updated daily by 6.30 pm on scheduled examination dates.Zeminar is an event for Generation Z, particularly those aged between 15 and 19, and their parents, teachers, mentors and coaches. It will take place from 11th - 13th of October 2016. For more information see www.zeminar.ieZeminar cover image

Read More
Human Resources, Recruitment ISSU Human Resources, Recruitment ISSU

We're hiring: Student Engagement and Development Officer

The ISSU Student Engagement and Development Officer will manage the ISSU National Office and will have responsibility for the communications, student engagement, research and developmental strategies of the organisation.SALARY: €24,000 pro rata p.a.CONTRACT LENGTH:  Reporting to the Board of Directors and to be employed on a permanent contract, and subject to completion of a 6-month probation period - subject to continued funding for the role.WORKING HOURS: 35.00 hours (on a flexi-time basis).  Occasional out-of-office hours may be required.OVERVIEW:The successful candidate will manage the daily business of the Head Office of the ISSU and coordinate the execution of ISSU policy with responsibility for communications, student engagement, research and development. The successful candidate will be tasked with supporting the continued development of the organisation through increasing ISSU membership, working to build on existing regional structures and supporting the work of the ISSU National Student Executive.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Liaising with schools and student councils to develop and expand the membership of the ISSU
  • Engagement with the ISSU’s membership base through nationwide school visits, student council training sessions and regional events
  • Coordinating Student Council consultation sessions and other events
  • Development of resources for student councils
  • Education and student welfare policy research and report writing
  • Updating and maintaining the ISSU’s social media outlets
  • Assisting the ISSU National Student Executive in fulfilling their remit
  • Promotion of the iConnect Card
  • Supporting the development and growth of the ISSU
  • Advocacy and representation including attending events on behalf of the ISSU, where necessary
  • Maintain ISSU’s databases
  • General administration and office management

PERSON DESCRIPTION:

  • A minimum of one year’s experience with a youth or student organisation;
  • Enthusiasm and commitment to ISSU’s objectives;
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent proven relevant experience;
  • Some knowledge and experience of the Irish education system and the voluntary/non-profit/youth work sector;
  • Project management experience;
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Comprehensive grasp of modern media and communications;
  • Motivated and driven;
  • Demonstratable track record of building and developing relationships;
  • Excellent drafting, proofing, and information delivery skills;
  • Excellence in communicating in English in a variety of contexts;
  • Excellent ICT proficiency;
  • Ability and initiative to work independently and as a self-starter;
  • Demonstrable ability to work well in a team;
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment;
  • Attention to detail especially online and in other communications;
  • Full clean driver’s licence preferable.

The position is based at ISSU’s national office in Dublin. Hours are based on a 35.00 hour week and 21 days of holidays p.a. This post involves travel within the State with time off in lieu of working evenings/at weekends.A high level of integrity, accountability, confidentiality, responsibility and flexible, constructive engagement is required in carrying out these duties.The ISSU Child Protection Policy and Garda Vetting Procedures for the safeguarding of young people apply.The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union is an equal opportunities employer.APPLICATIONSApplications should be in the form of a letter of application and CV submitted online via http://careers.issu.ieDEADLINE : 5pm Monday 18th July 2016

Read More
LC Blog (2016) ISSU LC Blog (2016) ISSU

Leaving Certificate Geography

Cárthach - Higher Level Geography DSC04123 (1)

Not fully functioning at 5:30am,  I looked at YouTube videos which really helped recap on things that I had forgotten, with loads of videos on Regions-type questions...This made the early start easier!!Luckily, the last few points I had looked over in the exam regarding the geo-ecology were useful, as I decided to do a question on A Biome and choose the three aspects, Fauna, Soil and Climate.I did feel panic when I felt blanks coming, but I kept breathing, which helps...and I managed to keep writing and continued to the next questions...as I always struggled with time (like in English).I felt it was unfair to put several air photograph and map related time consuming short questions, that I had no choice but to skip over, and made significant ground by doing so.However, time was still against me, and I had to rush my last two questions, and didn't manage to get back to do the last 5 short questions apart from one...but I think overall the paper was much nicer than I had presumed it would be, nicer than the pres/mocks, take note 5th years!It could have been better, could have been worse. It was draining and slowed me for Maths Paper 1, but that's a different kettle of fish writing-wise...Not as straining on my painful (painfully slow) hand, maybe a bit more straining on my head!

Liam - Higher Level Geography DSC04124 (1)

Questions that I did: All the short Qs, 2, 4, 12, 16.Geography, geography, geography. The paper wasn't actually too bad, you'll be sad to know Mr Highlighter didn't make much of an appearance because after the mocks, I knew timing would be an issue.I did it kind of awkwardly, from the back to front. Our teacher give us Geo ecology essays and I knew the cramming I did 5 minutes before the exam would wear off, so best to do it ASAP. Soil characteristics and general composition came up. Brown soil it was.I figured after this I'd keep the good mojo going and do the short questions, cause everybody knows getting one short question out of the 12 right gives as much satisfaction as getting the A1. They weren't too bad, in saying that, I could have made a complete balls of it and never know! Thanks SEC!12 was next because I wanted to get my human population out of the way because it's the bane of my existence. I choose not to think of it because the SRPs certainly weren't flowing there!Then I went into question 4, regional geography! They were mad into Brazil this year. I figured I'd compensate for not doing a sketch map and draw out Brazil. And by that, get the general idea of what Brazil looks like from the world map on question 12. Overall that question wasn't too tricky.Then there was question 2. Who doesn't love talking about a good delta. The colouring pencils came out ladies and gents and I've never seen the "Mississippi Crow Foot Delta" looking so magnificent.Overall I thought it was grand, but with geography, one doesn't really know cause of those SRPs. Little buggers!!Please note: blog posts reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily the opinion of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union. Blogs are updated daily by 6.30 pm on scheduled examination dates.Zeminar is an event for Generation Z, particularly those aged between 15 and 19, and their parents, teachers, mentors and coaches. It will take place from 11th - 13th of October 2016. For more information see www.zeminar.ieZeminar cover image

Read More
LC Blog (2016) ISSU LC Blog (2016) ISSU

Leaving Certificate Maths Paper 1

Craig - Ordinary Level Paper 1Craig McHugh

That was the easiest maths exam I have sat since the Drumcondra test in 5th class. Anyone who was looking to just get by in the Maths paper was treated to an array of opportunities to demonstrate their worth above foundation level. Similar to my sympathies for those that banked on Yeats for English; anyone who dropped to foundation today- I am sorry, you missed out, there's no dancing around it; that was a lovely paper.On an initial skim through the pages, I found myself quite calm - not sure if that was the dangerous levels of herbal remedy my mother has doused every thing in the house with ; but all the more it was brilliant to not get that horrible feeling I got in the mocks whereby I felt I couldn't do any full questions.Our paper opened on very basic financial maths and slowly evolved into a test for independent thinking , rather than just pure knowledge of the course.The final two questions were incredibly similar , and the financial maths section was very well spread out across the exam. Calculus was also impeccably easier than previous years, along with the section on basic algebra and complex numbers.My only fear is Paper 2 now which is normally a paper I find a lot tricker. Still, in spite of this I think I have the marks from my first paper to comfortably land me an honour and meet my entry requirements. Fingers crossed - now into a lovely weekend of cramming!

 

Ellen - Higher Level Paper 1 DSC04117 (1)

I was just wrecked after English P2 yesterday so my preparation for this exam consisted of watching Total Wipeout, having a nap and a few bowls of chowder. On top of that I was sick this morning and could barely move, so it's safe to say I was not looking forward to this exam... Stuffed to the brim with neurofen and tea, I took my place in the exam centre dreading the next few hours.I'm not going to say I was pleasantly surprised because there was nothing pleasant about it. Everything seemed to be algebra and logs - my two least favourite topics - and there was no financial maths in sight. Although, the proof by induction was rather lovely, as was the log question with all the p's and q's. I really really do not like algebra so you can imagine my horror when I saw the first two long questions, anyway, I soldiered through, even finding the parabola for basketball. (Although I admit I had no idea how to find the angle with the horizontal, something with tan maybe?)The sequences and series question was kinda quirky and I got the table but not the answer. That last question about the bees seemed a bit out of place and was way more difficult than it looked. I answered everything, with just enough time to look over at the end which has never happened to me before. Paper 1 is supposed to be my strongest so I'll probably spend the whole weekend focusing on Paper 2. Hopefully it's worth it for those 25 extra points!

Cárthach - Higher Level Paper 1 DSC04123 (1)

I opened the paper and stared blankly at the first page for 5 minutes, not knowing what exactly to do. I was 100% sure I would fail, friends will laugh saying this isn't true, but I genuinely skimmed through the paper, pretending to see things that weren't possible to do. However, I made myself write something in the tiny first box, and suddenly a flow begin to come. No, I didn't manage the first two pages well at all, but what followed seemed to suit me. Plenty of calculus, trigonometry and logs as well as co-ordinate geometry almost made the paper feel like paper 2, which I prefer!I was worried previously about financial maths and none came up!!It wasn't perfect, but it was much better than I had thought it would be, reading over the English version of the paper now. I may have actually passed, no time to celebrate, paper 2 is dawning on me! 

Liam - Higher Level Paper 1 DSC04124 (1)

Maths you done done us good! I must say, this paper was immaculate! I didn't know what it was going to be like because they could pop an awkward question and that would put you completely off but in fairness, I liked it.Question 1 was a complex numbers question and it was fairly good, there was no weird DeMoivre proof or anything like that so it was fairly straightforward. 2 was just basic algebra, the second part really got my goat during the whole thing. I kept finding myself going back to it, but towards the end I found the errors of my ways, I forgot to square the 2 under the line! But sure be grand.Question 3 was exponential graphing and it was again, fairly straightforward. 4 was proof by induction and if it weren't for a video I watched online last night, I probably wouldn't have gotten it, then the log questions afterwards. I like logs and logs like me, well at least I think they do after those questions.5 was kind of triggy ( sorry, I had to! ). The first part was Pythagoras theorem, with algebra combined! And then the next part was the SEC just making up some new definition, safe to say that that box was filled with last minute scribbling. Part b was grand too, just a bit of functions. Because that and the part a are related…?6 was calculus. Good 'ol calculus, and in fairness, it was grand if you took your time with it. Differentiation by first principles was simple and the next part was one of those product and chain rule hybrids, just do it slow and keep it clear and you'd get it!!Then we got more calculus in question 7 where you manipulated the surface area and volume equations of a sphere to find rates of change. It was grand, once you understood the whole situation.  Part b, is where they kicked the ball. Would've been better kicking it all off the paper being honest, but sure it was grand.8 was all about Sarah and her basketball and instead of doing an essay in English about the olympics, we got a maths question. 9 was grand too, just about if sequence and series, and with a bit of last minute thinking , that was that !All in all , maths this year was really the story of a bad joke. They pumped up a ball (7) for Sarah to play in the Olympics (8) and along comes a bee (9).Paper 2, please have a heart!! 

Emma - Ordinary Level Paper 1 Emma O'Callaghan

Just out of maths paper one and lovely is an understatement. I don't know if it's because last years paper was so difficult but ordinary level paper one went fabulously!! It started with a basic money question, and had little differentiation which I was delighted to see. There were some parts, like everything that took a little time and thinking but it wouldn't be maths without that I suppose. Question eight like many people caught me but I'm banking on attempt marks for that one!!The reaction to the paper seems pretty positive!! Hopefully paper two will be just as lovely!!  

Conor - Higher Level Paper 1Conor O'Hare

When I open the paper, I carefully analyse each question, labeling the top, as to which topic on the syllabus they apply to.Complex numbers…Algebra…Functions…So when I arrive at question 8, I let out a great sigh, mentally saying “of course they “delight” us in having the financial maths question last.  I turn over the page and… oh my sweet Jesus of Nazerteth, it’s sequences and series. Mixed feelings are roaming through my head at this moment. On the one hand, life has given me the wonderful gift of hope. On the other: hold on – I just spent countless hours attempting to comprehend as to what even a ‘financial maths’ is, and how does one use ‘financial maths’. That being said, the only course of action was to proceed with the paper. And thus, I did.Overlooking the internet now, I am seeing quite mixed remarks about the paper. There are people similar to one half of my brain, saying “Whoever wrote that exam, leaving out financial maths, I’m buying him a pint”. Others, furious over the absence of financial maths; but overall, an overwhelming delight. Twitter has deemed it to have been “piss easy”, and that it was a “looovvveelllyyyy paper”.To those people that are complaining about a lack of financial maths, and are looking back over the hours spent on learning it, ask yourselves: did you really want it to crop up. Imagine, if you will, how the exam would have panned out:Let’s see… let’s see… Ah, here it is. Financial maths. I have done so much work for you, and now I can- wait. I still don’t know how to do this. I WANT ALGEBRA! [sobbing] So, do not focus on what did not come up. That is futile.  Focus on what did, and, if you are like the majority of students, you would have considered those questions “leeeeeeeeethaaaaaallll”.Personally speaking, I found it to be a just paper. It was not a walk in the park, and there were parts that you had to seriously contemplate – as it should be, seeing as that is the nature of mathematics. But it was approachable in every aspect. I can assume that most could have filled in each box with one line at least. In Project Maths, that typically means half of the marks. Oh, biased marking scheme – our saviour.To those that are sitting behind the screen in a state of melancholy over what they believed to be an incredibly tough exam, do not fret. As I have said, attempt marks are there to boost people up. I remember doing a question on one of the papers – it was a 50 mark question – and the very first part, a part that was essentially asking you to sub in values into an equation, gave you almost half of the total marks for the question. Marking schemes favour those that have done poorly. Besides, it is only half of the paper. So to those that found it “piss” – you’ve only climbed over the first obstacle.All in all, however, it has, at least from what I’ve seen, been a great start to the Leaving Certificate Examinations. It has provided many students with the confidence to face each paper now with a will to do well, as they have done in the past. Take a break sometime this weekend – then prepare for another battle. But the battles are thankfully coming to a close before you know it.Please note: blog posts reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily the opinion of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union. Blogs are updated daily by 6.30 pm on scheduled examination dates.Zeminar is an event for Generation Z, particularly those aged between 15 and 19, and their parents, teachers, mentors and coaches. It will take place from 11th - 13th of October 2016. For more information see www.zeminar.ieZeminar cover image

Read More