It has also been designed to take away some of the competiveness amongst students so that instead of being given a numerical mark, a particular band of marks will fall under the same grade. This also takes away any judgemental elements that could arise if a student gets marginally more or less marks than another student, though this has been criticised as being detrimental to the student who may have a few marks more than another, yet is allocated the same grade overall.
Using this system means that all schools, primary and secondary, who participate in this method of assessment will have conformity and fluidity within education, with a recognisable term of reference.
Those who are in favour of this method of assessment also argue that it will enable the focus to be placed on the actual learning environment, and make it better, thus facilitating better understanding for pupils. They also claim that any societal pressures will be reduced and so the learner will benefit and will enjoy greater flexibility within the classroom.
In certain circumstances, an individual student’s marks will be given as well as the grade. These circumstances include moving abroad to continue education, but overall the decision to reveal marks is at the discretion of the school’s principal.
If students fail to reach a required grade, they will be given five attempts to do so, so that they have another chance of being promoted to the next