The Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) oversees the country’s educational assessments, ensuring that grading standards reflect students’ academic achievements accurately. Understanding the BEC grading system is essential for students, educators, and stakeholders involved in Botswana’s education sector.
Overview of BEC Examinations
BEC administers three main examinations:
- Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE): Taken at the end of primary education.
- Junior Certificate Examination (JCE): Conducted after three years of junior secondary education.
- Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE): Administered upon completion of senior secondary education.
BGCSE Grading Scale
The BGCSE employs a grading scale from A* to G, with U indicating ungraded. Each grade corresponds to a specific percentage range and point value:
| Grade | Percentage (%) | Points |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 85 – 100 | 8 |
| A | 75 – 84 | 8 |
| B | 65 – 74 | 7 |
| C | 55 – 64 | 6 |
| D | 45 – 54 | 5 |
| E | 40 – 44 | 4 |
| F | 35 – 39 | 3 |
| G | 30 – 34 | 2 |
| U | 0 – 29 | 0 |
This structured grading system ensures a clear interpretation of students’ academic performance.
Recent Performance Trends
In the 2024 BGCSE results, 31.35% of candidates achieved grade C or better, a slight decrease from 32.3% in 2023. Additionally, 2.84% of candidates attained grade A or better, down from 3.7% in the previous year. These figures highlight the challenges faced in improving academic performance.
E-Marking Initiatives
To enhance the accuracy and efficiency of assessments, BEC has introduced electronic marking (e-marking) for certain BGCSE components. This initiative aims to standardize marking schemes and reduce errors, ensuring fair evaluations for all candidates.
Factors Influencing Student Performance
BEC has identified several factors affecting student outcomes, including teacher qualifications. A significant number of primary school teachers hold diplomas or lower certifications, which may impact the quality of education. Addressing this issue is crucial for enhancing student performance in national examinations.