I can pretty much go either way on this. On the one hand, yes, I think the grades need to be more definied- you're right, it can be unmotivating for students trying to excell who are really good, and have high standards, and don't get Excellence, or don't always get Excellence (well, no-one always gets Excellence.) I guess I've experienced this myself: I hate not getting Excellences, in whatever it is that I'm doing. Also, a Merit grade covers an equivalent percentage mark of 65% to 90%- so that, well,kinda sucks.
On the other hand, I think it has HUGE advantages over, say, 6th form Certificate, which was basically irredeemable. I also like the Achievement Standard and Credits approaches. I guess I think people slam it, and I wish they wouldn't. Yes, it needs fine tuning- very much so.
no subject
Ah-ha. Tough question.
I can pretty much go either way on this. On the one hand, yes, I think the grades need to be more definied- you're right, it can be unmotivating for students trying to excell who are really good, and have high standards, and don't get Excellence, or don't always get Excellence (well, no-one always gets Excellence.) I guess I've experienced this myself: I hate not getting Excellences, in whatever it is that I'm doing. Also, a Merit grade covers an equivalent percentage mark of 65% to 90%- so that, well,kinda sucks.
On the other hand, I think it has HUGE advantages over, say, 6th form Certificate, which was basically irredeemable. I also like the Achievement Standard and Credits approaches. I guess I think people slam it, and I wish they wouldn't. Yes, it needs fine tuning- very much so.