Grade D Questions and Answers

What is a grade D award?

Grade D, like grades C to A, is reported on the Scottish Qualifications Certificate as a Course award in its own right. Grade D indicates that the candidate has:

achieved all the National Units for the Course at that level
scored between 45% and 49% in the Course assessment

Grade D will be awarded if a candidate passes all the Units of a Course and achieves a band 7 in the external assessment - see the table for details:

BAND	GRADE	STANDARDISED MARK
1	A (upper)	85-100
2	A (lower)	70-84
3	B (upper)	65-69
4	B (lower)	60-64
5	C (upper)	55-59
6	C (lower)	50-54
7	D	45-49
8	Fail	40-44
9	Fail	Less than 40

* from Conditions and Arrangements for National Qualifications

Why has SQA introduced a grade D award?

We introduced the grade D award because it reflects the candidate's performance more accurately than the previous arrangements (a grade A at the level below). The award is based on the candidate's actual achievement at the level of the Course undertaken, and is not a compensatory award. Also, for candidates to gain the grade D award, they will have to have successfully completed the Units of the Course.

Is grade D awarded in all subjects and at all levels of National Courses?

Yes. This was one of the fundamental reasons for introducing grade D.

Is the grade D a compensatory award?

No. Grade D is an award in its own right.

How has the introduction of grade D affected candidates who are undertaking a Course over two years?

There should be no change as far as the candidate is concerned. The Course should be taught and assessed in the normal way.

How does grade D contribute to Scottish Group Awards (SGAs)?

Grade D contributes to SGAs. This means that a grade D at the level of entry, for example Higher, will contribute to:

the open sections of the general and named Higher SGAs
the specific or open sections of the general and named Intermediate 2 SGAs
the specific or open section of the general Intermediate 1 SGA

How does the grade D appear on the Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC)?

Grade D is shown on the Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC) in the same way as other grades. Candidates' performance in Units and external assessment is reported in the same way as it is for grades A-C.

What status does the grade D have?

Grade D is an award in its own right. It is a more accurate reflection of the level of work undertaken and the performance of the candidate.

As with all awards, universities and employers decide on the specific credit given. SQA has agreed with UCAS a tariff rating for the grade D.

If you have any enquiries about this matter, please do not hesitate to contact our Business Development & Customer Support Team by telephone on: 0303 333 0330 or e-mail: mycentre@sqa.org.uk, where staff will be pleased to offer assistance.

< Previous Page

Contents Page

Next Page >