Junior Cert science:There was little complaint about the Junior Cert science exams, with papers at higher and ordinary level described as fair, balanced and "along expected lines".

Science is a mandatory subject on the Junior Cert syllabus. More than 50,000 students sat yesterday's exams, with more than two-thirds of these taking the higher-level paper.

Mattie Finnerty, ASTI subject convenor and teacher at Cashel Community School, said he was satisfied with both papers.

Following the revision of the science syllabus, the exam now counts for 65 per cent of students' overall grade. The remainder consists of practical work carried out by students over the course of the Junior Cert cycle.

Mr Finnerty said the selection of questions rewarded students for the work they completed in class over the past three years.

Physics was seen as the most demanding section of the higher-level paper. Students were required to solve a few difficult mathematical equations and provide precise answers to a number of the questions.

Gerry King of the TUI said both papers were fair and the ordinary-level paper was "more student friendly than last year's".

He said that question nine, on electricity, may have presented difficulties to some of the weaker students, but overall the paper was appropriate for the level.

Mr Finnerty said: "The ordinary-level paper was well presented and did not expect the students to write a lot. The multiple-choice element was a very good prompt for those weaker students sitting the exam."

Mr King said there were still some issues with the practical side of the course and extra lab technicians needed to be hired to help teachers and students.