The UNEB UCE Grading System for the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC)

The release of the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results ushered in a new era of assessment under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). With the old 1–9 stanine grading system replaced by letter grades (A–E) and no more division rankings, schools and parents were left with new questions.

This significant shift means more than just new letters on a report card. It represents a fundamental change in how UNEB reports student achievement. For schools relying on traditional manual processes, this new format can be a challenge. But with a powerful report card management system like Shuleni, schools can easily adapt and thrive.

What is different about the new UCE grading?

Under the new CBC framework, UNEB has moved away from a system that primarily ranked students based on their final exam performance. The new grading system provides a more holistic and descriptive view of a student’s acquired skills and competencies.

Here is a breakdown of the key changes:

• Abolition of division rankings: Instead of being grouped into divisions, students are now assessed on their individual achievement levels.


• Shift from stanine to letter grades: The old numerical grades have been replaced with a letter grading scale from A (Exceptional) to E (Elementary).


• Competency-focused descriptors: Each letter grade is accompanied by a descriptor that explains what a student at that level is capable of doing in real-life situations. For example:
  
  
  • A: Exceptional - Demonstrates innovative and creative application of knowledge.
  
  
  • B: Outstanding - Demonstrates a high level of competence.
  
  
  • C: Satisfactory - Shows an adequate level of competence.
  
  
  • D: Basic - Achieves a minimum level of competence.
  
  
  • E: Elementary - Achieves a below-basic level of competence.


• No more "Fail": There is no longer a "fail" grade. The lowest grade, E, still describes a student's competencies.

The challenge for schools in the new era

Adapting to the new UNEB grading system is a crucial task for all secondary schools in Uganda. The move to a competency-based report card requires a reporting tool that goes beyond simple calculations. It demands a system that can accurately:

• Incorporate and calculate Continuous Assessment (CA) scores and end-of-cycle marks.


• Generate reports with the correct letter grades and their descriptive explanations.


• Present project work as a stand-alone item on the certificat


• Organize this new, more descriptive data efficiently.

For schools using manual methods, this means extra time and effort from teachers and administration, increasing the risk of errors and inconsistencies.

How Shuleni simplifies the new UNEB grading

This is where a robust report card management system like Shuleni becomes essential. Shuleni was built to meet the specific needs of Ugandan secondary schools, including the new CBC assessment model.

Here's how Shuleni makes the transition seamless:

• Automated calculations: The system automatically computes student totals, averages, and ranks, eliminating manual calculations and reducing errors.


• Flexible report card templates: Shuleni's software comes with pre-configured templates that align with the new UNEB requirements, ensuring every report card is accurate and compliant.


• One-click PDF generation: With a single click, schools can generate printable PDF report cards, complete with the school logo and the headteacher’s signature area.


• Offline functionality: For schools with unreliable internet access, Shuleni's offline capabilities allow for uninterrupted report card generation.


• Detailed analytics: Shuleni doesn't just print reports; it provides valuable analytics on class averages and subject performance, helping teachers and administrators identify students who need extra support.

A smooth transition to competency-based reporting

The new UNEB grading system marks a positive step towards a more comprehensive and meaningful assessment of student potential. However, adapting to this change requires the right tools.

With Shuleni, schools can confidently navigate the new system, saving valuable time and ensuring that every report card accurately reflects a student’s true competence.

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• The CBC Report Card
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