The National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) is responsible for overseeing and grading national examinations at different levels of secondary education in Tanzania. These levels include Form Two, Form Four, and Form Six.
Understanding the NECTA grading system is crucial for students, educators, and stakeholders in the Tanzanian education sector. This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of how NECTA assigns grades for O-level and A-Level classes, and the implications of these grades.
Introduction NECTA Grading System
NECTA has implemented a grading system aimed at standardizing and improving the quality of education assessment in Tanzania.
The grading system employs a Total Point Grading System, commonly referred to as the Division system.
This approach ensures a fair and transparent method of evaluating students’ performance across various subjects.
NECTA Grading System in Tanzania Overview
The NECTA grading system divides students’ performance into different divisions based on the total points accumulated from their examination scores. The key components of this system include:
- Grading Scales for Different Forms:
- Form Two and Form Four: The grading scale for O Level ranges from A to F, with A being the highest and F the lowest.
- Form Six: This scale is slightly adjusted to reflect the advanced level (ACSEE) of studies, with A to F grades assigned different point values.
- Point Allocation:
- Each grade corresponds to a specific point value, contributing to the overall division classification.
O level Grading System (Form Two and Form Four)
| Grade | Marks | Points | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 75-100 | 1 | Excellent |
| B | 65-74 | 2 | Very Good |
| C | 45-64 | 3 | Good |
| D | 30-44 | 4 | Satisfactory |
| F | 0-29 | 5 | Fail |
A Level Grading System (Form Six)
| Grade | Marks | Points | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 80-100 | 1 | Excellent |
| B | 70-79 | 2 | Very Good |
| C | 60-69 | 3 | Good |
| D | 50-59 | 4 | Average |
| E | 40-49 | 5 | Satisfactory |
| S | 35-39 | 6 | Subsidiary |
| F | 0-34 | 7 | Fail |
Division Classification
The final division a student receives is determined by the total points accumulated from their best subject scores. The divisions are classified as follows:
O Level (Form Two and Form Four) Division System
| Division | Total Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| I | 7-17 | Excellent |
| II | 18-21 | Very Good |
| III | 22-25 | Good |
| IV | 26-33 | Satisfactory |
| 0 | 34-35 | Fail |
A Level (Form Six) Division System
| Division | Total Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| I | 3-9 | Excellent |
| II | 10-12 | Very Good |
| III | 13-17 | Good |
| IV | 18-19 | Satisfactory |
| 0 | 20-21 | Fail |
Continuous Assessment (CA) Integration
To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, NECTA integrates Continuous Assessment (CA) with final examination scores. The CA contributes 30% to the overall grade, while the final examination (FE) contributes 70%. This balanced approach helps in capturing the consistent performance of students over time.
CA Contribution Breakdown
Form Four:
- Form Two Assessment: 10%
- Form Three Assessments: 10%
- Mock Examinations: 10%
Form Six:
- Term Assessments: 15%
- Mock Examinations: 15%
The NECTA grading system, through its division-based structure, provides a clear and standardized method for evaluating students’ academic performance in Tanzania. By combining Continuous Assessment with final examinations, NECTA ensures a holistic approach to student evaluation. This system not only motivates students to perform consistently but also provides a reliable measure of their capabilities for future educational and career opportunities.