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Understanding Grade Calculation Process

May 20, 2025

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Calculating Grades at Cambridge

Overview

  • Grades are calculated starting with raw marks obtained when a component paper is marked.
  • Adjustments may be made to raw marks to ensure fairness and consistency, though often raw marks remain unchanged.
  • The adjusted mark or raw mark (if unchanged) is multiplied by a weighting factor to give the final mark for each component.
  • Final grades for each component are summed to give the syllabus total.
  • The syllabus total is compared to grade thresholds to determine the grade symbol and Percentage Uniform Mark (PUM).

Example with Bob

  • Context: Bob is a student taking GCA Level Maths 9709.
  • Components: Pure Math 1, Probability and Statistics 1, Pure Math 3, and Mechanics 1.
  • Bob wrote four papers in November 2023.
    • Paper 12 (Pure 1): 54/75
    • Paper 32: 48/75
    • Paper 42: 32/50
    • Paper 52: 40/50

Steps Taken for Bob's Grades

  1. Raw Marks: Initially listed as above.
  2. Adjustment:
    • Typically, raw marks might be adjusted but for Bob, they remain unchanged.
  3. Final Marks:
    • Multiply each raw mark by the weighting factor found on the CIE website (example uses weighting of 1).
    • Final Marks: Same as raw marks.
  4. Syllabus Total:
    • Sum of all final marks: 54 + 48 + 32 + 40 = 174

Determine Grade Symbol

  • Grade Thresholds for November 2023:
    • Bob's AY option includes papers 12, 32, 42, and 52.
    • Bob's syllabus total (174) lies between 162 and 188.
    • This corresponds to grade symbol B.

Calculate Percentage Uniform Mark (PUM)

  • Grade Symbol B: Lies between 70% and 79% (class width of 10%).
  • Grade Threshold: 162 to 188 (class width of 26 marks).
  • Position Calculation:
    • 174 is 12 marks above the lower bound (162).
    • Proportion calculation: ( \frac{12}{26} \times 10 = 4.6 ).
    • Bob's PUM: 74.6% (rounded down to 74%).

Conclusion

  • Bob's final mark on the result slip is 74%, with a grade symbol of B.
  • This method allows students to understand how their grades are derived from raw marks to final percentages.

Note: The process described can vary slightly depending on specifics, such as different subjects or exam boards. Always refer to official guidelines for the most accurate information.

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