Academic grading in South Africa
| Academic grading |
|---|
| Africa |
| North America |
| Central America |
| South America |
| Asia |
| Europe |
|
| Oceania |
In South Africa, the grading system used in secondary schools until 2008 (when the Outcomes Based Education or OBE curriculum took over) was as follows:
- Code 7 (A Symbol): 80 - 100%
- Code 6 (B Symbol): 70 - 79%
- Code 5 (C Symbol): 60 - 69%
- Code 4 (D Symbol): 50 - 59%
- Code 3 (E Symbol): 40 - 49%
- Code 2 (F Symbol): 35 - 39%
- Code 1 (FF Symbol): 30 - 34%
The OBE system, when in its experimental stages, originally used a scale from 1 - 4 (a pass being a 3 and a '1st class pass' being above 70%), but this system was considered far too coarse and replaced by a scale from 1 to 7.
For the final standard exams, a 'normal pass' is given for an average mark 50%-59%, a pass with merit for 60% - 79%, and a distinction is given or an average of 80% or more.
Most universities follow a model based on the British system. Thus, at the University of Cape Town and the University of South Africa (UNISA), the percentages are calibrated as follows: a 1st class pass is given for 75% and above, a second (division one) for 70 - 74%, a second (division two) for 60%-69%, and a third for 50 - 59%. Any lower than 50% is a fail. The University of the Witwatersrand considers an A to be 75% and above.
Resources
- South African Education Department
- Stellenbosch University Grade Comparison (page 21)
- Cape Town University Academic Grading