In EDUBase, a grading policy is a set of grade bands and pass marks that you can apply school-wide or to specific classes. Set it once in the Examinations module, then award lists and result cards use it.
What is a grading policy and why does it matter?
A grading policy is the rule that turns a student's marks into a grade. It says, for example, which percentage range earns an A+, which earns an A, which earns a B, and what mark counts as a pass.
If the policy is written down and entered once, every teacher's marks are converted in the same way. This avoids the situation where two sections of the same class are graded by different rules, which usually becomes a complaint at the parent-teacher meeting.
What can you define in the EDUBase grading policy?
The Examinations & Results module supports grading policies that are either school-wide or class-specific. Each policy holds grade bands and pass marks.
- Grade bands, such as the percentage range for A+, A and B, and any other grades your school uses.
- Pass marks, so that a student below the line is shown as not passed.
- A school-wide policy that applies to every class, or a class-specific policy where, for example, senior classes follow different bands from primary classes.
- Optional pass rules for positions, so class and section positions can be counted only among students who passed every subject.
How do you set the policy step by step?
Plan the bands on paper first, then enter them once. The exact screen labels can differ, so follow the Examinations menu and the in-app Docs page for the current layout.
The steps below describe the order of work rather than fixed screen names.
- Decide your bands, for example the percentage floor of A+, A and B, and the overall pass mark.
- Open the Examinations menu and go to the grading policy setup.
- Create a school-wide policy if all classes follow the same scale.
- Create a class-specific policy for any class that needs different bands or a different pass mark.
- Enter a test on an award list for one class and check that the grades appear as you expected before the term begins.
- Print one sample result card to confirm the grades and pass status look right.
Should you use one policy for the whole school or one per class?
Use one school-wide policy when every class is judged on the same scale. This is the simplest to explain to parents and to audit.
Use class-specific policies only where there is a real academic reason, such as a different pass mark for matric classes or a different scale for early years. Keep the number of policies small so that staff understand which one applies.
How does the policy connect to marks, weightage and result cards?
The grading policy works alongside other setup in the same module: subjects, test types and weightage. Test types such as monthly tests, mid-term and final carry weightage for term totals, and the grade is then read against your bands.
Teachers enter marks on award lists per class, subject and exam. Result cards can then be printed in your school's branding, and you can choose when marks become visible in the Parents App, for example at PTM time.
What should a principal check before releasing results?
A short review before release prevents corrections later. Check a few students near each band boundary, because mistakes in setup usually show up at the edges.
If a mistake is found after marks are entered, correct the policy and review the affected award lists and result cards before they are shared with parents.
- Boundary students, for example a child just above and just below the A line.
- Pass marks for each class that uses its own policy.
- Position rules, if you count positions only among students who passed every subject.
- Whether marks are shown or hidden in the Parents App at the time you intend.
School-wide versus class-specific grading policy
| Criterion | School-wide policy | Class-specific policy |
|---|---|---|
| Where it applies | Every class in the school | Only the classes you choose |
| Best suited to | Schools using one scale throughout | Schools where classes need different bands or pass marks |
| Effort to maintain | Low, one set of bands | Higher, one set per class group |
| Parent communication | One explanation for all families | Needs a clear explanation per class group |
| Risk of confusion | Low | Higher if too many policies exist |
| What it holds | Grade bands and pass marks | Grade bands and pass marks |
Related modules
- Examinations & Results — From subjects and grading policy to award lists, result cards and date sheets.
- Examination Reports & Teacher Performance — Class results at every angle, plus a teacher-by-teacher view of exam outcomes.
- School Setup & Multi-Campus — Campuses, classes, sections, sessions, academic year and reference lists, set once and reused everywhere.
- Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTM) — Plan the PTM, invite parents through the app, record each conversation, and report on it.