How academic progress is measured at a "Gymnasium"
A decade or two ago, an assessment was generally synonymous with a test. Now, students get their marks based on different types of student assessments. While this can be a great topic for an upcoming article, today we want to stick to student assessment, progression and certification in Berlin. Let us take a closer look at how academic progress is measured at a "Gymnasium".
Assessment
Lower secondary level (Sekundarstufe I)
The evaluation of students’ performance is based on all the work they have done in relation to the respective subject, including written, oral and practical work. Homework and written exercises are evenly distributed throughout the academic year. The requirements in this work are measured against the curricula’s criteria. Oral work refers to students’ oral contributions that are evaluated in class. In topics like sport, music and art, practical accomplishments serve as the basis for evaluation.
Performance in the lower secondary level is assessed according to a six-mark system. The below-mentioned marks can also have positive or negative tendencies. For example, a student can get a 2+ or a 4-.
- Mark 1 = Very good
- Mark 2 = Good
- Mark 3 = Satisfactory
- Mark 4 = Adequate
- Mark 5 = Poor
- Mark 6 = Very poor
Upper secondary level (Sekundarstufe II)
Students’ performance in upper secondary level is assessed using a point system, with 15 points being the highest and 0 points being the lowest. The score correlates with the marks, including the tendency. So a 2+ is equal to 12 points.
- Mark 1 is equivalent to 15/14/13 points depending on the trend of marks.
- Mark 2 is equivalent to 12/11/10 points depending on the trend of marks.
- Mark 3 is equivalent to 9/8/7 points depending on the trend of marks.
- Mark 4 is equivalent to 6/5/4 points depending on the trend of marks.
- Mark 5 is equivalent to 3/2/1 points depending on the trend of marks.
- Mark 6 is equivalent to 0 points.
Progression
Lower secondary level (Sekundarstufe I)
Progression to the next grade is based on the students’ performance. In Berlin, it is necessary that students have at most an unsatisfactory mark and at least an adequate mark in all other subjects. If a student has two unsatisfactory marks or only one that is unsatisfactory, this must be compensated for by at least two satisfactory marks in the first case or at least good marks in two other subjects in the second case.
If progression is at risk
If at any time during the school year a student's promotion is at risk, the school will determine individual support in order to achieve promotion. Every instructing teacher must first define the student’s performance deficits and determine the causes. Individual support measures will then be developed and coordinated with the class teaching staff. This plan will be discussed with the student and their parents.
Upper secondary level (Sekundarstufe II)
The last two classes in the "Gymnasium" are known as the qualification phase. The marks earned during this phase are used to compute a student’s total marks, which are made up of marks earned in courses completed during these two years as well as marks earned on the Abitur examination. There is no procedure for promotion in the qualification phase, however, it is possible to repeat a year if the marks required for admittance to the Abitur exam have not been achieved.
Certification
Lower secondary level (Sekundarstufe I)
Secondary school students usually achieve the vocational training qualification (BBR) after the 9th grade and the intermediate school leaving certificate (MSA) after the 10th grade. For this, they take part in the joint examination for the extended BBR and the MSA. In addition to successful MSA, students must also have at least adequate performance in all subjects with one unsatisfactory exception or, in the case of several poor marks, appropriate compensation for the transition to upper secondary level.
Upper secondary level (Sekundarstufe II)
The "Gymnasium" concludes with the "Abitur" exam. The test consists of three written exams, one oral exam and a fifth exam component. Among these three written exams, there must be a subject that is examined centrally and two that are at an advanced academic level.
In addition to the three written exams, there is an oral exam in a basic course. Two of these four tests must also be taken in the following three subjects or subject groups: German, foreign language and mathematics.
Upon passing the Abitur exam, students obtain the general university entrance qualification. The qualification is awarded if the total marks obtained are at least adequate (average mark 4 or at least 300 points).
We hope this article has made things clear for you in terms of how academic progress is measured at a "Gymnasium". If you want to find out more about Mentora Gymnasium, you can make an appointment and visit our school or take part in one of the regular open days we host.