Choose how term averages are calculated and manage grade scales, task categories and assessment models in the Gradebook settings. The method applies to all classes except MYP and PYP.
The Term Average on a class's Term Grades tab is worked out from every graded task in the term. Your school chooses one of three calculation methods. This guide explains each method with a worked example, then shows where to set grade scales, task categories and term rubrics.
The calculation method applies to every class in your school except IB MYP and IB PYP classes, which use criteria-based assessment.
The three methods at a glance
| Method | How it works | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage weights | Each category has a % weight, and the weights add up to 100%. Every task in a category counts equally, whatever its points. | You want each category to count for a fixed share, and tasks within a category to count the same. |
| Percentage weights with points-based averaging | As above, but a category's average is total points scored ÷ total points available. Tasks worth more points count for more. | Task size varies, for example a 10-point quiz and a 50-point test in the same category. |
| Absolute weights | Each category has a weight from 1 to 100 (the total can go over 100). That weight applies to every task, so categories with more tasks have more influence. | You want every task to count, and the number of tasks to matter. |
Worked example
One student, one term. Categories: Homework 20, Projects 30, Exams 50.
| Category | Tasks and scores |
|---|---|
| Homework | 8/10 (80%), 9/10 (90%), 15/30 (50%) |
| Projects | 40/50 (80%) |
| Exams | 70/100 (70%) |
| Method | Working | Term Average |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage weights | Homework average = (80 + 90 + 50) ÷ 3 = 73.3%. Then 73.3 × 20% + 80 × 30% + 70 × 50% = 14.7 + 24 + 35 | 73.7% |
| Points-based averaging | Homework average = (8 + 9 + 15) ÷ (10 + 10 + 30) = 64%. Then 64 × 20% + 80 × 30% + 70 × 50% = 12.8 + 24 + 35 | 71.8% |
| Absolute weights | Every task carries its category weight: (20 × 80 + 20 × 90 + 20 × 50 + 30 × 80 + 50 × 70) ÷ (20 + 20 + 20 + 30 + 50) = 10,300 ÷ 140 | 73.6% |
The low Homework score on the 30-point task pulls the points-based average down more, because that task is worth more points. With absolute weights, Homework has three tasks, so together they carry 60 of the 140 weight even though each task is weighted 20.
Choose your school's method
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Open the settingGo to Settings > School Settings > Key Academic Functions.
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Pick a methodSelect Use Percentage weights, Use Percentage weights with Points-based averaging or Use Absolute weights, then save.
Screenshots of each method
When a category has no graded tasks
Tasks with no score are left out. A category with no tasks, or no graded tasks, is left out too, and the average is worked out from the categories that remain.
Weights are Exams 40%, Essay 30%, Practical 20% and Homework 10%. No Homework was graded this term, so the student's score is calculated out of the remaining 90% and converted to a percentage. To calculate out of 100 instead, set Homework to 0% and share its 10% between the other categories (for example Exams 45%, Essay 35%, Practical 20%).
Grade scales and task categories
| What | Where | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Default term grade scale | Settings > your programme > Assessment > Grade Scales > Term | New classes only |
| Default task grade scale | Settings > your programme > Assessment > Grade Scales > Task | New classes only |
| A class's term grade scale | Class Gradebook > Term Grades > Display Term Grade Scale > Edit | That class, every term |
| A class's task categories and weights | Class Gradebook > Tasks > Display Task Category Averages > Edit | That class, every term |
| A class's task grade scales | Class Gradebook > Tasks > Display Task Category Averages > Edit > Task Grade Scales | That class, every term |
- Changing a default only affects classes created afterwards. Existing classes keep their settings.
- Changing categories, weights or scales in a class recalculates every term in that class, past and present.
- With percentage weights, check the category weights add up to 100%.
Edit a class's task categories
Teachers can name and colour-code categories for each class. The weights are used when term averages are calculated.
- Add: click Add New Category, enter a name and choose a colour.
- Edit: change the name or click the palette to change the colour.
- Delete: tick the box in the delete column.
Click Save Changes to apply.
Screenshots of grade scale settings
Term rubrics
Add extra measures that teachers complete alongside term grades, such as effort or attendance.
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Open assessment modelsGo to Settings > your programme > Assessment > Assessment Models > Term and click Add Rubric.
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Choose the typeCriteria (a drop-down, for example effort 1 to 5), Custom Field (any text with a suffix, for example attendance %) or Formula (calculated from other rubrics).
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SaveThe rubric appears on the Term Grades tab for teachers to complete.
Questions
Why does a student's term average look wrong?
Check for ungraded tasks or empty categories, which are left out, and check which method your school uses. See Why does a term grade look wrong? Gradebook checks for teachers.
Does changing weights affect past terms?
Yes. Category, weight and scale changes in a class apply to every term in that class.
Can different classes use different methods?
No. The method is set for the whole school. Each class can have its own categories, weights and scales.