Tools, trees and a woodworm

JUNIOR Certificate students sitting yesterday's Materials Technology (Wood) paper were only working for one-third of their total marks as they have already submitted a project and a research folder.

So it wasn't going to be as tough as written exams where 100pc of the marks hinge on the candidate's performance on one day.

Skills

The first paper had an emphasis on power tools, the life cycle of the woodworm and tree identification.

At ordinary level, the focus was on trees and their characteristics and wood-carving skills.

Teacher Noel Scott said students generally appeared to be happy with the paper.

Mr Scott, of the ASTI and Loreto Community School in Donegal, said the papers were fair and pitched well for the ability of the students.

'They covered the depth and breadth of the syllabus,' he said.

Mr Scott said at higher level there was a practical emphasis dealing with the design process in carving, but paying particular regard to traditional aspects such as seasoning.

- Katherine Donnelly

Irish Independent