Leaving Cert Construction Studies, Classical Studies and Latin: More than 9,000 students sat yesterday's Leaving Certificate Construction Studies paper, including 603 girls, and the overall response was one of satisfaction.

Apart from an unexpected question on damp-proofing in Question 1, most students were "thrilled" with the range of topics to choose from.

Question 3 threw up a specialised plastering challenge but students were free to skip on to more straightforward topics further down the paper.

"There was excellent choice on this paper for students of all abilities," said ASTI subject expert Mr David Madden. "The last question was particularly interesting as it asked the students' opinions on planning permission for infill sites. Many householders are looking to build second houses on land in suburban estates and it's quite a controversial topic. The students enjoyed the chance to have their say."

Students were also asked to design a new heating layout for a two-storey house, to insulate a roof and to soundproof a room. The ordinary level paper also offered plenty of choice.

Students of Classical Studies left their exam "exhausted but happy" after three hours of intensive writing on classic art, drama, philosophy and architecture. A new format paper with clearer marking schemes was welcomed by teachers and students.

"This was a student-friendly paper with plenty of variety," said the ASTI's Mr Paul Bermingham. "The students were very glad to see a new format in the Greek Drama section which made it easier to allocate their time."

Students of Latin, 129 in total this year, also sat their exam today. The paper was described as "very long and tiring", but the topics were predictable and questions straightforward. The numbers taking Latin at Junior Certificate level are going up, which may impact positively on Leaving Certificate Latin in the coming years.