The advanced level home economics examination : a trend analysis and expectations survey

Abstract

The general aims of this study were to identify trends in the questions set for the Advanced Level Home Economics and Human Ecology examination in both Paper One and Paper Two in relation to the current events and happenings locally and globally. The study also focused on aspirations and fears felt by students towards the examination and possible expectations felt by examiners and the MA TSEC board. All the examination papers including the supplementing sessions since 1996 to 2006 were included in the study resulting in the analysis of over thirty five examination past papers. All students sitting for their Advanced Level examination in 2006 were asked to fill in a questionnaire which focused on expectations and fears. It was found that the majority of questions asked throughout the ten year period did reflect topical trends developing locally and globally. It was also found that the examination papers are extremely fair and follow the syllabus closely. It was also established that students felt that the MA TSEC board expected too much from them. Students also feared being asked questions out of syllabus. While students did not wish to change the structure of the subject, they did wish to shorten the examination.