The long-anticipated S4 examination results were released today by UNEB under the newly implemented grading system, yet many parents remain baffled by the unfamiliar report cards. The new system, which categorizes student performance as A (Exceptional Achievement), B (Outstanding Performance), C (Satisfactory Performance), D (Basic Understanding), and E (Elementary Understanding), marks a significant departure from the traditional aggregates and divisions used in previous years.
In today’s press briefing, education officials acknowledged the initial confusion among parents. “We recognize that the transition to this new system has been challenging for many families,” a UNEB spokesperson stated. “Our goal is to ensure that all stakeholders fully understand how the grading framework evaluates student competencies across cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains.”
Parents like Harriet Nalwanga expressed ongoing concerns despite the official explanations. “Even with the results out today, I still find it hard to interpret my child’s report card,” Nalwanga admitted. “Understanding what each grade means and how it will impact future subject combinations at A’ Level is a real challenge.”
Similarly, Samson Okware urged fellow parents to remain patient as the new system settles in. “This grading system may seem complicated right now, but with time and proper guidance, it will become clearer,” he said. “We just need to be open to learning and adapting.”
Revised Grading System
Candidates are assessed as follows:
- A – Exceptional Achievement (Equivalent to D1, D2)
- B – Outstanding Performance (Equivalent to C3, C4)
- C – Satisfactory Performance (Equivalent to C5, C6)
- D – Basic Understanding (Equivalent to P7, P8)
- E – Elementary Understanding (Equivalent to F9)
The introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in 2020 prompted these changes, aiming to shift the focus from mere numerical scores to a more holistic evaluation of student abilities. First Lady Janet Museveni, during the recent results release at State House Nakasero, stressed the benefits of this shift. “The new grading approach eliminates unhealthy competition and unethical practices associated with traditional ranking methods,” Museveni remarked. “It is designed to foster self-directed learning and truly prepare our students for future challenges.”
Despite today’s release, many parents continue to voice concerns about the clarity of the report cards and how the new grading system might affect academic progression, particularly in the critical transition to A’ Level studies. In response, UNEB has promised additional orientation sessions and online resources aimed at demystifying the new evaluation model.
