Leaving Cert Engineering: Only hours from the finish line, Leaving Cert engineering students were treated to some problem-solving for the first time in the subject's history.

The special topic section called for a level of creativity that indicates the direction in which the subject is going, said teacher Kenneth Donagher. "Exciting developments are on the way - we're looking forward to a new syllabus," said Mr Donagher, a subject representative for the NCCA, as well as the ASTI.

The numbers taking the engineering exam dipped slightly this year, to 4,906. It is hoped that a new syllabus with less theory and more problem-solving will attract more students to the subject, in which only one in 20 is female. The new syllabus is also designed to make the subject more diverse and interesting.

Engineering students complete 50 per cent of their course work in a day-long practical exam and a project completed during the academic year.

This year's project involved the design and production of a can cutter. Yesterday's ordinary level paper, taken by nearly a quarter of students, was deemed fair and broadly in line with the syllabus. However, it was more theory-based than the higher paper with less opportunity for creativity. Some students felt that more illustrations with questions would have helped.

There was a good atmosphere outside the exam hall in Sligo Community College today as many students completed their last exam of the Leaving.