The 2024 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) results have sparked widespread discussion, primarily due to the new grading system that replaces numerical values with letter grades (A-E).
Here’s everything you need to know about the changes and how they affect students.
What’s Different in the New System?
Under the new UACE grading system, students are awarded letter grades (A, B, C, D, and E) instead of the traditional numerical values (6, 5, 4, etc.).
This shift aligns with the objectives of the revised curriculum, which emphasizes holistic learning over rote memorization.
- Grade A: Excellent
- Grade B: Very Good
- Grade C: Good
- Grade D: Pass
- Grade E: Fail
Why Were Numerical Values Removed?
According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), the removal of numerical values is intentional.
Professor Celestino Obua, UNEB Board Chairperson, explained that the new system is designed to reflect a broader assessment of student performance, rather than reducing achievements to a single number.
“The numerical values (like 6 for A or 5 for B) were never part of UNEB’s grading system. They were created by universities for their own admission criteria,” Obua clarified.
How Will Universities Handle Admissions?
While the new system has caused confusion, UNEB assures students that universities and other institutions can still use their own point systems for admissions.
This means institutions will likely convert letter grades into numerical values internally, as they have done in the past.
Common Concerns Addressed
1. Confusion Among Students and Parents: Many worry that the lack of numerical values will make it harder to understand performance levels. UNEB advises stakeholders to focus on the letter grades and their corresponding descriptors (e.g., Excellent, Very Good).
2. Impact on University Applications: Universities are expected to adapt by creating their own conversion scales, ensuring a smooth transition for applicants.
3. Consistency with UCE: Similar concerns arose after the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results were released, but UNEB maintains that the new system will better prepare students for higher education and the workforce.
Related: Understanding UNEB’s New UCE Grading System
As students and parents adjust to the new grading system, UNEB encourages everyone to embrace the changes as part of the broader curriculum reforms.
For now, the focus remains on understanding the letter grades and their implications for future academic and career paths.
