With the Leaving Cert Ag Science exam now just a week away, students across the country are entering the final stage of preparation.
At this point, the focus should shift from learning new material to revising key topics, practising exam questions, and building confidence ahead of the big day.
While nerves are natural, good organisation and smart study habits over the next few days can make a huge difference. Niall Brennan, aka Mr Ag Science, who has over 9,000 followers on Instagram has some last-minute expert tips.
Having grown up on a beef farm in Co Roscommon, Niall has always been passionate about agriculture and has wanted to share this passion with others.
“I’ve always loved teaching and helping people so Mr Ag Science was a natural combination for me. Ag science is often the forgotten science subject, and I wanted to encourage and support students to take it on while creating a roadmap for students to achieve their best grade possible,” says Niall.
For the last eight years, the teacher has been creating engaging resources, posters and revision classes for both ag science teachers and students.
“I love the ‘aha’ moment students get when they link the topics together and it starts to make sense,” he says.
When it comes to advice for ag science students coming into the final week of exam revision, Niall emphasises the most important thing is to stay calm.
“Be proud of yourself for all the work you have done so far especially the 25% project. Focus on the guaranteed questions (farm safety, technology, catch crops, experiments, multi species swards). Study in 25 minute study blocks and focus on practising exam questions.
Make sure to take breaks from the study, get out for exercise and see your friends to help clear your head. Now is the time to remind yourself of all you know,” he says.
During the exam
It is essential to take your time during the exam as you have “plenty of it”, according to Niall.
“Read through your paper first and mark off the questions you plan to do. Make bullet points on each question as you go which will help build your confidence.
“I would recommend doing an extra short and long question, if time allows. There will be questions you haven’t seen before but don’t panic, apply the knowledge you have learned in the course to the question,” emphasises Niall.
When it comes to the paper itself, the short questions section is worth 100 marks. Students have to complete 10 out of 12 questions with lots of internal choice.
“Spend 35 minutes on this section. Answers should be brief, concise and to the point. Here we are guaranteed to see animal or plant ID along with farm safety, technology, comprehension questions, animal physiology and farm layout.”
The long questions are worth 200 marks. Students need to complete at least four out of six questions, again with lots of choice. The recommended time to spend on this section is 75-80 minutes (about 20 minutes per question).
“Your answers need to have more detail here. Structure your answer by giving your point, explaining it and giving an example. In this section you will be asked to draw diagrams (cow udders, carbon cycle etc) and complete calculations. Topics most likely to appear include sheep production, animal nutrition and fertilisers.
“The new course really focuses on the environment and sustainability. In recent years, the question of how farmers can reduce emissions or improve sustainability has repeatedly been asked – so make sure you’ve your points ready to go here,” advises Niall.
Students can get the most out of their exams by taking their time and reading over their answers.
“There is extra space at the back of the booklet if you need it. Draw your diagrams in pencil and use colour. Use the language from the exam papers and marking scheme and be direct and to the point. Be ready for topical subjects such as Brazilian beef, TB, bluetongue, farm income and the impact of climate on agriculture,” recommends Niall. See mragscience.com
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