Academic grading in Japan
In Japan, each school has a different grading system. Many universities use the following set of categories:
| Grade in Japanese (Kanji) | English translation | Corresponding percentage | 4-scale university |
|---|---|---|---|
| shū (秀) | Exemplary, excellent | A (90-100%), rarely given | |
| yū (優) | Very good | B (80-89%) | A (80-100%) |
| ryō (良) | good | C (70-79%) | B (70-79%) |
| ka (可) | Average, pass | D (60-69%) | C (60-69%) |
| nin (認) | Approved, acceptable | E/F (50-59%), not common | |
| fuka (不可) | Unacceptable, failed | E/F (0-59% or 0-49%) | F (0-59%) |
Public schooling below the high school level is classified as compulsory education (義務教育 gimu-kyouiku), and every Japanese child is required to attend school until he or she passes Junior High. An interesting phenomenon is that even if an individual student fails a course, they may pass with their class regardless of grades on tests. The grades on tests have no effect on schooling until taking entrance exams to get into high school.
Parents often send their children to cram schools (塾 Juku) or private schools, for test training purposes.
Most national universities employ a 4-scale grading system (only with A, B, C and F). Below-average students are given an F, and are encouraged to re-take the same subject(s) in the following semesters.
[edit] References
- Ellen E. Mashiko, (1989), "VI Admissions-Related Issues, Grading Systems and Academic Credentials", Japan: a study of the educational system of Japan and a guide to the academic placement of students in educational institutions of the United States, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers, http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=c60lAQAAIAAJ
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