Mary Allen
Introduction: Understanding “Owl Grades”
In the Harry Potter series, students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are graded on a scale of O (Outstanding), E (Exceeds Expectations), A (Acceptable), P (Poor), and D (Dreadful). These grades are often referred to as “Owl Grades,” named after the Ordinary Wizarding Level exams that students take in their fifth year. While the fictional Hogwarts grading system is well-known and beloved, it may leave some wondering how it compares to the grading systems used in modern schools around the world.
Comparing Modern School Systems
While there are many different grading systems used across the globe, most modern schools use some form of letter grades to evaluate student performance. These grades typically range from A to F, with A being the highest and F being the lowest. However, the exact criteria for each grade can vary depending on the school and the country it is located in. In the following sections, we will explore the equivalent grades used in various countries around the world.
The United States’ Equivalent Grades
In the United States, most schools use a letter grading system that ranges from A to F. However, some schools also use a numerical grading system that ranges from 0 to 100. In the letter grading system, an A is equivalent to an Outstanding in the Hogwarts grading system, while a B is equivalent to an Exceeds Expectations. A C is roughly equivalent to an Acceptable, while a D is equivalent to a Poor. An F is equivalent to a Dreadful.
The United Kingdom’s Equivalent Grades
In the United Kingdom, schools typically use a letter grading system that ranges from A to G, with A being the highest and G being the lowest. Some schools may also use a numerical grading system that ranges from 9 to 1. In the letter grading system, an A* is roughly equivalent to an Outstanding in the Hogwarts grading system, while an A is equivalent to an Exceeds Expectations. A B or C is roughly equivalent to an Acceptable, while a D or E is equivalent to a Poor. A G is equivalent to a Dreadful.
Canada’s Equivalent Grades
In Canada, most schools use a letter grading system that ranges from A+ to F. Some schools may also use a numerical grading system that ranges from 0 to 100. In the letter grading system, an A+ is roughly equivalent to an Outstanding in the Hogwarts grading system, while an A is equivalent to an Exceeds Expectations. A B or C is roughly equivalent to an Acceptable, while a D or F is equivalent to a Poor. An F is equivalent to a Dreadful.
Australia’s Equivalent Grades
In Australia, most schools use a letter grading system that ranges from A to F. Some schools may also use a numerical grading system that ranges from 0 to 100. In the letter grading system, an A is roughly equivalent to an Outstanding in the Hogwarts grading system, while a B is equivalent to an Exceeds Expectations. A C is roughly equivalent to an Acceptable, while a D is equivalent to a Poor. An E or F is equivalent to a Dreadful.
New Zealand’s Equivalent Grades
In New Zealand, schools typically use a numerical grading system that ranges from 0 to 8. However, some schools may also use a letter grading system that ranges from A to E. In the numerical grading system, an 8 is roughly equivalent to an Outstanding in the Hogwarts grading system, while a 7 is equivalent to an Exceeds Expectations. A 6 is roughly equivalent to an Acceptable, while a 5 is equivalent to a Poor. A 4 or lower is equivalent to a Dreadful.
Germany’s Equivalent Grades
In Germany, schools typically use a numerical grading system that ranges from 1 to 6. However, some schools may also use a letter grading system that ranges from “sehr gut” (very good) to “ungenügend” (insufficient). In the numerical grading system, a 1 is roughly equivalent to an Outstanding in the Hogwarts grading system, while a 2 is equivalent to an Exceeds Expectations. A 3 is roughly equivalent to an Acceptable, while a 4 is equivalent to a Poor. A 5 or 6 is equivalent to a Dreadful.
France’s Equivalent Grades
In France, schools typically use a numerical grading system that ranges from 0 to 20. However, some schools may also use a letter grading system that ranges from “très bien” (very good) to “insuffisant” (insufficient). In the numerical grading system, a score of 18 or higher is roughly equivalent to an Outstanding in the Hogwarts grading system, while a score of 16 or 17 is equivalent to an Exceeds Expectations. A score of 14 or 15 is roughly equivalent to an Acceptable, while a score of 12 or 13 is equivalent to a Poor. A score of 11 or lower is equivalent to a Dreadful.
Spain’s Equivalent Grades
In Spain, schools typically use a numerical grading system that ranges from 0 to 10. However, some schools may also use a letter grading system that ranges from “sobresaliente” (excellent) to “insuficiente” (insufficient). In the numerical grading system, a score of 9 or 10 is roughly equivalent to an Outstanding in the Hogwarts grading system, while a score of 7 or 8 is equivalent to an Exceeds Expectations. A score of 5 or 6 is roughly equivalent to an Acceptable, while a score of 4 is equivalent to a Poor. A score of 3 or lower is equivalent to a Dreadful.
Japan’s Equivalent Grades
In Japan, schools typically use a numerical grading system that ranges from 0 to 100. However, some schools may also use a letter grading system that ranges from “優” (excellent) to “不可” (failure). In the numerical grading system, a score of 90 or higher is roughly equivalent to an Outstanding in the Hogwarts grading system, while a score of 80 or 89 is equivalent to an Exceeds Expectations. A score of 70 or 79 is roughly equivalent to an Acceptable, while a score of 60 or 69 is equivalent to a Poor. A score of 59 or lower is equivalent to a Dreadful.
Conclusion: The Global Variation of School Grades
As we have seen, there is great variation in the grading systems used by modern schools around the world. While most schools use some form of letter or numerical grades to evaluate student performance, the exact criteria for each grade can vary greatly depending on the country and the school. Nevertheless, it is clear that regardless of the grading system, the goal of education remains the same: to help students reach their full potential and achieve success in their academic and personal lives.