The broader impact of the construction industry on society was examined in yesterday’s Construction Studies paper, which was taken by 8,377 students.

The tone of the paper has changed significantly over the past 10 years, said James Howley, a construction studies teacher in St Nathy's College, Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon, with a move away from a purely vocational emphasis.

One interesting question asked students to critique a paper by Orla Murphy of the UCD school of architecture. Ms Murphy explored how society should have a debate about a holistic approach to architecture. There was also a question on the environmental impact of new buildings. Mr Howley said there were plenty of the traditional questions for students with a vocational leaning.

Well received
Noel Scott, a teacher at Loreto Community School in Milford, Co Donegal, said the paper was very well received by students, and catered for all levels and interests.
Errors have arisen in some exam papers this year and yesterday there was a suggestion that an error appeared in the Leaving Cert history of art paper. A question asked students to describe and discuss the Derrynaflan Paten and the Cross of Cong and candidates were told their answer should refer to the historical period in which the artefacts were produced. These artefacts were produced in different centuries, but are both religious artefacts from the Early Medieval period. Students were asked to name another religious artefact from that period. The State Examinations Commission has said there was no error in the question.