Grades — every O Level student's obsession, right?

But do you know the secret sauce behind those letters on your report card? Whether you're a frazzled student prepping for the big CAIE exam or a parent puzzled by your kid's academic quest, relax; Out-Class has your back! 

In this blog, we'll untangle the intricacies of the O Levels grading system, toss in some statistics about grade percentages in Pakistan, and illuminate the grade threshold for CIE O Level 2024. So, grab that third cup of coffee because we're about to spill the beans on the O Levels grading system! 

Demystifying the O Levels Grading System & Threshold

The O Levels grading system is your trusty academic compass. To navigate your educational journey, you must crack the code! 

What is O Level?

O Level is Ordinary Level, a Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE) qualification. The O Level grading system assigns letter grades from A* (the highest) to U (ungraded). These grades are awarded based on the marks obtained in individual components. 

Related: What are O Levels?

Behind the O Level Grading Curtain 

Whisked away from both satisfied and disheartened students, these scripts journey to Cambridge. Most are scanned and await examiners' judgment, while computer-friendly MCQ exams get an automatic verdict. 

A band of seasoned senior examiners mark a script sample for their juniors to follow, ensuring everyone's on the same page. When all are marked, these marks are turned into grades using grade thresholds – 'grade' defining magic numbers. 

With grade boundaries in hand, the moment of truth arrives. Your marks meet the grade only with a final nod from senior examiners and then the grades are uploaded.

Related: O-Level Subjects Available in Pakistan

The Grading Scale

Here's a quick breakdown of the O Level grading scale: 

• A* (A star): Outstanding

• A: Excellent

• B: Good

• C: Satisfactory

• D: Marginal

• E: Unsatisfactory

• U: Ungraded 

What is considered a good O Level result?

The grades from A* to D are considered as good result as E and U are not considered passing grades.

Statistics about Grade Percentages for Cambridge O Level Grades June 2023:

Here are some statistics about the grade percentages provided by Cambridge International Examinations for the June 2023 series:

Grade Threshold for CIE O Level 2024 

The grade threshold for CAIE O Level exams is flexible. It's a dynamic target that shifts with each passing year. A blend of student performance, statistical analysis, and expert insight moulds these thresholds. Fear not, as the O Levels grading system levels the playing field by ensuring that obtaining a grade is neither more nor less demanding than in the previous year. 

You might be curious about the anticipated grade thresholds for CIE O Level 2024. Brace yourself because here's the scoop: these thresholds fluctuate depending on the exam's difficulty. The exam board might raise the bar if the questions were a breeze. Conversely, they could ease up if the questions throw students a curveball. It's all to maintain a standardized and fair O Level grading system that stands the test of time. 

What is a grade threshold?

A grade threshold is the minimum number of marks that a candidate needs to obtain a particular grade in a paper or in a subject.

Example:

Grade threshold for Syllabus 2059 - Pakistan Studies in June 2023 examination:

*The grade, A*, does not exist in individual components.

Overall grade threshold:

Grade threshold for Syllabus 2059 - Pakistan Studies in November 2023 examination:

*The grade, A*, does not exist in individual components.

Overall grade threshold:

Difference between grade threshold between June and November examination series:

It can be seen that there is little difference between the grade threshold between the the two series. The aim in each year (or examination series) is to set each threshold in just the right place to ensure that it is no more difficult and no less difficult to obtain that grade than it was in the previous year.

How O Level Grades are Perceived in Pakistan?

A+ Grade Percentage 

The A+ grade percentage in Pakistan is like Schrödinger's cat—it's not officially in the O Level grading system, but guess what? It's an A* (A star) in disguise! Pakistani students aim high, striving for this star of excellence. 

A Grade Percentage

Achieving an A grade percentage in Pakistan is a significant O Level accomplishment. It signifies excellent performance and offers various opportunities, including scholarships and university admissions.

B Grade Percentage

A B grade in the O Level exams is a respectable achievement, indicating good performance. Many students who secure this grade excel in their A Level studies. Factors like study resources, teacher quality, and individual effort can influence the percentage of students obtaining a B grade percentage in Pakistan. 

C Grade Percentage

A C grade reflects satisfactory performance in O Level exams. While it may not be the highest grade, it still represents a commendable effort. The percentage of students receiving a C grade percentage in Pakistan is significant, as it denotes a standard level of achievement. 

D Grade Percentage

A D grade, although marginal, represents a passing grade in O Level exams. It suggests the student has met the minimum requirements to pass the subject. 

E & U Grade Percentage

In the O Levels grading system, "E" means "Extremely Low" and "U" means "Ungraded." Both 'E' and 'U' grade indicate poor performance.

is 'E' grade pass or fail in O Level?

These grades indicate poor performance and are not considered passing grades. However, they serve as a starting point for improvement through additional tutoring rather than a final judgment.

Conclusion 

The O Level grading system is essential for students worldwide, including Pakistan. Whether you're striving for an A* or just passing, dedication, hard work, and smart study strategies are your allies. Although the grading system for Edexcel is different (point system), IGCSE has a similar grading system that goes to grade G. For more information on the differences, click here!

Need a boost? Check out Out-Class, your one-stop platform with top-notch teachers and resources to elevate your learning and grades. 

As you sail through your O Level studies, remember these tips, and here's to a journey filled with academic success!

FAQs

Q. What is the O Level grading system?

The O Level grading system assigns letter grades from A* (the highest) to U (ungraded) based on the marks obtained in individual components of the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE) qualification.

Related: IGCSE Grading System

Q. What are the grade percentages for O Level grades in Pakistan?

The grade percentages for O Level grades in Pakistan are as follows:

• A* (90%+)
• A (80-89%)
• B (70-79%)
• C (60-69%)
• D (50-59%)
• E (40-49%)
• U (0-40%)

Q. What is considered a good O Level result in Pakistan?

Grades from A* to D are generally considered good results in O Level exams in Pakistan, as E and U are not considered passing grades.

Q. What does the grade threshold mean in O Level exams?

The grade threshold is the minimum number of marks needed to obtain a particular grade in a paper or subject. It ensures fairness in grading across different exam sessions.

Q. Is an 'E' grade considered a pass in O Level exams?

No, an 'E' grade is not considered a pass in O Level exams. It indicates poor performance and serves as an opportunity for improvement rather than a passing grade.

Q. How are O Level grades perceived in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, achieving an A* or A grade is highly regarded and signifies excellent performance. B and C grades are also respectable, while D, E, and U grades indicate varying levels of poor performance.

Q. What factors influence the O Level grade percentages in Pakistan?

Factors such as study resources, teacher quality, individual effort, and exam difficulty can influence the percentage of students obtaining different O Level grades in Pakistan.