Written by Niamh Lyons, Yeats College Biology teacher
The 2025 Leaving Certificate Biology (Higher Level) examination was widely regarded by students as a fair and balanced exam. Although the exam featured some challenging aspects, its overall variety and organisation of the questions enabled students to effectively showcase their understanding, especially in topics where they felt most confident.
Many of the questions were similar in style and content to those found in previous years’ papers. This familiarity benefited students who had engaged in thorough revision and past exam paper practice. The inclusion of diagrams and graphs enhanced the accessibility of the paper. These visual aids supported students in understanding concepts and provided helpful cues for structuring their answers.
The paper included a mix of factual recall, application, and analytical questions, ensuring that students with diverse strengths had the opportunity to succeed. The range of question types and topics reflected a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus.
Overall, the 2025 Biology Higher Level examination was a fair and inclusive assessment. It offered a balanced mix of question types, a wide range of topics, and sufficient choice to accommodate different learning styles and strengths. Students who had prepared thoroughly were well-positioned to perform successfully.