Criticism has been levied at this year’s Leaving Cert Home Economics exam over a question on how different coloured clothing can be used to flatter body size.
Some Twitter users have branded the question as problematic when many young people experience insecurities relating to body image.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous that the Leaving Cert Home Ec paper asked discuss how colour can be used to flatter body size and shape.
"As if thousands of students sitting exams don’t already have eating disorders and body sensitivities,” Stefanie Preissner, creator of RTÉ’s comedy drama ‘Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope,’ wrote.
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Other users pointed out that the question was insensitive following an apparent rise in disordered eating amongst teenagers following Covid lockdowns.
Crumlin Children’s Hospital stated that hospitalisations for eating disorders in 2020 were three times higher than those recorded in 2019.
Sinead Crowe, a former nutritionist who works in the mental health sector, branded the question as “awful” on Instagram and called for a revamp of the current curriculum.
“I really do feel for the students. This question is the tip of the iceberg. It was asked because it’s likely covered in the curriculum,” Sinead said in an Instagram story.
The question featured in the textiles, fashion and design section of the paper and was worth 10 marks in total.
The Irish Mirror has contacted the State Examinations Commission for comment.
Home Economics is one of the most popular subject choices for the Leaving Cert.
This year’s Leaving Cert marks the return of in person exams, the traditional format used prior to the pandemic. Students in 2020 and 2021 had the option of using predicted grading to determine their exam results.
Minister for Education Norma Foley confirmed that predicted grading would be abolished earlier this year.
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