Assumptions

• You have the level of access required to access the System tab.

• You have an understanding that making changes within this function can have system wide implications.

• You have an understanding of the Grading System in your institution.

Grade Types

Fields within the Grade Types

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Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade Point Average (GPA) is a summary statistic that represents a student’s average performance in their studies over a stated period of time, such as one semester or over the entire course. GPAs are numbers that are often calculated to two decimal places. They are used as indicators of average grade (numerically) to provide a less ambiguous and more concrete measure of student performance than a lettered grade. GPA is also used for sorting groups of students into rank order for awards and merits.

GPA requires the allocation of grade points to each unit enrolment outcome. Specifically, this involves allocating a grade point value (e.g. 5) to a specific letter score (e.g. credit). Australian providers differ on the exact grade point scale to use, but the process is always the same. We implemented GPA in a way that reflects industry practice. You may define your own GPA scale by adding the relevant information to the grade schema defined in the user interface, Go to SYSTEM > Search Grade Type > search for UNIT_GRADE >, and then Edit Grade Points against each Grade Type.

Weighted Average Mark (WAM)

Weighted Average Mark (WAM) is calculated based on a student’s actual marks (e.g. 58, 65 and so on) and the year level and weighting level defined at each base unit. If no weighting level is defined at the base unit then the system will assume a weighting of one.

Here is the detailed calculation method the system follows:

• Multiply the unit mark (Final Grade Percentage) by unit credit point value (Credit Points) and then by the weighting level

• Sum the resulting values (Weighted Marks)

• Multiply the unit credit point value (Credit Points) by the weighting level

• Sum the resulting values (Weighted Credit Points)

• Divide the sum of the Weighted Marks by the sum of the Weighted Credit Points

• Calculate to three decimal places.

You can find the Calculate WAM button on the student’s course enrolment page.

Using the above the table the WAM is calculated as follows: 5480 / 76 = 72.10

Grades and Enrolment Status Code

Multiple Grade Schema

Multiple grades schema can be used in Paradigm at the same time for different Courses. For example a VET level course uses Competency Achieved / Competency not Achieved as opposed to a Higher Education Course that uses the HD, DN, CR, P, F system. When a Course of Study is established, the grade schema to be used for it can be selected as part of the set up. This is achieved by setting the Unit Grade type and the Assessment Grade type options within the Course record. When this option has not been set or selected (the field is left blank) the system will default to using the unit_grade for the grading system.

Percentages and Grades

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NOTE: When final grades are either entered or imported from LMS (e.g. Blackboard or Moodle) the system won't round grades up or down.

For example if a CR requires a minimum grade of 60.0 and the student achieves a 59.99 the grade will be recorded as the lower grade of a Pass. 

BE ADVISED: Changing any of the grade values will cause historical reports to print according to the new grade values. Consult with your "nominated contact person" or other Paradigm Expert before making any changes. If you are the "nominated contact person" or Paradigm Expert for your institution and need further help, please consult the Silverband Helpdesk for more information.

NOTE: Updating the grading system is not a frequent or regular occurrence, and is usually done when the institution is changing from one grading system to another e.g. from Letters A, B, C, etc. to HD, DN, CR, etc. or when adding a new grading system (e.g. Vocational Learning of Competency Achieved, Competency not Achieved.)

Search for Grade Types and all possible grades under each

1. Choose the System menu.

2. Choose Search Grade Type.

3. Click the SEARCH GRADE TYPES button.

   

4.  After doing the steps above, a list of all Grade Types will appear as shown below. Select on the Blue hyperlink next to the Grade type to be viewed (e.g. Assessment Grade, Competency Grade, Course Grade, ELICOS Grade, or Unit Grade)

   

5. After choosing a Grade Type to view, a screen the same as below will display all the possible grades a student can achieve on that specific Grade Type.

   

Add another possible grade to a Grade Type

Form. Refer to the Fields within the Grade Types section above for the description of each fields.

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Once all the details have been filled out, click the SAVE GRADE button to add the newly created possible grade a student can get on that Grade Type.

Edit details and conditions in one of the possible grades of a Grade Type