Assessment and requirements
In this section2 pages
Here we describe the assessment rules that apply to all teachers in Grades 4–8.
In Grades 1–3 we use descriptive assessment. Its rules are set out on the page about early primary education.
Grading scale
| Grade | Name | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | excellent | cel |
| 5 | very good | bdb |
| 4 | good | db |
| 3 | satisfactory | dst |
| 2 | sufficient | dop |
| 1 | insufficient | ndst |
In ongoing grades we allow pluses and minuses, except for the top grade (6) and the failing grade (1). Semester and end-of-year grades are given without pluses and minuses.
What we assess
We assess the knowledge and skills described in the educational requirements for each subject. A student's attitude, diligence and manners are reflected in the behaviour grade.
We check knowledge and skills through tests, short quizzes and oral answers. We also assess work in lessons and long-term work, such as subject projects.
Homework is optional and we do not grade it. The teacher gives the student feedback on what they did well and what is worth improving. The class project is not given a grade.
Tests and short quizzes
| Rule | Test | Short quiz |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | a unit or a larger part of the material | at most the last 3 topics |
| Notice | at least a week in advance, with an entry in the e-register | unannounced |
| How many per week | at most 3 | does not count towards the test limit |
| How many per day | 1 | does not count towards the test limit |
| Marking time | 14 days | 7 days |
| Resit | yes, once | no |
A test moved at the class's request also counts towards the limit. When there are already three tests in a given week, we move it to the following week.
Improving grades
A test grade can be improved once, within two weeks of receiving it. The student arranges the date with the teacher. Both grades stay in the e-register, and the higher one counts towards the semester grade.
A student who missed a test takes it on a date agreed with the teacher, no later than two weeks after returning to school.
Being unprepared for a lesson
A student may declare being unprepared at the start of a lesson. In subjects with one or two lessons a week they may do this twice per semester, in other subjects three times.
Being unprepared does not apply to announced tests or revision lessons.
Semester and end-of-year grades
The semester and end-of-year grade is not an average of ongoing grades. The teacher takes into account the weight of the different forms of assessment and the student's progress.
The teacher gives the predicted grades a week before the teaching staff council's classification meeting. A predicted failing grade is communicated a month in advance.
When a grade raises doubts
How can a student apply for a higher grade than predicted?
The student or parent submits a request to the teacher within three days of learning the predicted grade. The conditions, such as attendance and having taken all tests, are set out in the school statute.
What should you do if the end-of-year grade was set in breach of the rules?
The student or parent can raise objections with the head teacher no later than two working days after the end of lessons in the school year.
The head teacher checks whether the grade was set in line with the regulations. If not, they appoint a committee that conducts a test of the student's knowledge and skills. Under the regulations, the grade set by the committee cannot be lower than the previous one.
What does a failing end-of-year grade mean?
A student with one or two failing end-of-year grades may take a resit exam. The exam takes place in the last week of the summer holidays.
Where can I check current grades?
Teachers enter all grades in the e-register. Parents and students can see them in their accounts.